Mohammed Ali Rashid Helps Deliver Over 10,000 Grocery Packages For A Covid-19 Drive

    NEW YORK, NY, May 27, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The demand for charitable food services has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. There has been an unprecedented increase in food insecurity. Covid-19 associated shutdowns and social restrictions have negatively affected the American food system.

Pandemic-related job disruptions have accelerated food insecurity rates. The most affected are people of color, low-income communities, and women.

Covid-19 Food Drive in New York

Mohammed Ali Rashid, President of the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), led a Covid-19 food drive in New York to help combat the food shortage problem. Local elected officials, including Councilman Donovan Richards and State Assemblyman David Weprin, joined the event.

Over 100 volunteers were involved. A network of restaurants in New York helped to facilitate the initiative. They distributed over 10,000 grocery packages during the drive. Each package delivered can support a family of six for six months.

According to Rashid, the harsh reality of the pandemic has left many American families in need of food. They are making a sincere effort to help as many families as possible.

During the drive, Rashid realized the effects of the pandemic were much more significant than he expected. Therefore, he planned for future food drives.

Five Counties Reached

APAG's food drive reached Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. It also extended to upstate New York and Long Island. For upcoming drives, Rashid has plans to reach more areas.

Why It Helped

Senior citizens have been particularly affected by the pandemic because they are afraid of living in their houses for fear of contracting the virus. The elderly are particularly at risk because of their weakened immune system. Rashid and his group ensured that they could supply the elderly with essential items.

They also reached the disabled and those facing financial hardships. Families in need received oil, flour, rice, sugar, and antibacterial soap. The Ramadan package supplied Muslims with various items.

Supplying the most vulnerable with food aid during this pandemic period ensures that they have enough energy to deal with the various challenges. The sick need nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables to speed up recovery.

Coronavirus Measures Observed

Social distance measures were observed during the food drive to help avoid spreading the virus. All the volunteers wore masks. They disinfected all items before they left the warehouse. On top of distributing food, the team also emphasized observing coronavirus guidelines.

Standing with First Responders

Freshly cooked meals were delivered to first responders. According to Mohamed Rashid, these are the heroes of the pandemic; they risk their lives to ensure that others stay alive. APAG has set up centers where first responders can stop by and have a meal.

Rashid Thanks Volunteers

Without volunteers, the event could not have been successful. Rashid was grateful for their effort. These volunteers spent many days preparing for the food drive. They were involved with everything, including packaging, transportation, and distribution.

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