In a bid to further extend its support to the underprivileged during Ramadan, the Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched a mobile Iftar initiative starting from the 10th of Ramadan 2023. This initiative aimed to provide nutritious Iftar meals directly to the doorsteps of those in need, especially in underserved areas and low-income communities.

Overview of the Mobile Iftar Initiative

ARF’s mobile Iftar service focused on reaching individuals who were unable to visit the main Iftar distribution points due to mobility constraints or living in remote areas. Through this initiative, over 100 households across various neighborhoods, including safety-poor areas, received nutritious meals right at their doorsteps. The meals were delivered via motorbikes, ensuring timely and efficient distribution to those in need.

Menu and Nutritional Quality

Each mobile Iftar package included the same nutritious and balanced meals that ARF provided at its main distribution sites. The menu typically consisted of dates, sharbat, samosas, rolls, fruit chaat, and Haleem as the main course. This ensured that participants not only broke their fast with a wholesome meal but also had the necessary energy and hydration to continue their day.

Impact and Community Engagement

The initiative was warmly welcomed by the local communities, particularly those who are often overlooked. By bringing Iftar to their homes, ARF ensured that no one was left behind during the holy month of Ramadan. The mobile Iftar service also created an opportunity for direct engagement with families, fostering a sense of community and support.

Conclusion

ARF’s mobile Iftar initiative, launched on the 10th of Ramadan 2023, exemplified the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that even the most vulnerable individuals had access to food during this holy month. By reaching over 100 households, the initiative not only provided essential nutrition but also reinforced the spirit of giving and unity in the community. This innovative approach underscored ARF's ongoing efforts to combat hunger and bring relief to the underprivileged during Ramadan.

Report on ARF’s First Ramadan Activity: Sehr and Iftar for the Underprivileged (March-April 2023)

In March and April 2023, the Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched its first-ever humanitarian initiative by organizing daily Sehri and Iftar for the underprivileged during the holy month of Ramadan. This activity was held near the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Area, Township, Lahore, an area where many laborers and low-income workers reside and work. ARF’s efforts not only reflected its commitment to alleviating hunger but also fulfilled an important religious obligation, offering a dignified way for those in need to observe their fasts.

Overview of the Activity

Throughout Ramadan, ARF provided more than 300 individuals daily with nutritious, freshly prepared meals for both Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast). The beneficiaries included laborers, low-income families, and workers from the surrounding industrial area who struggled to afford daily meals. This initiative provided critical relief during a time when communal support and charity are highly emphasized.

Nutritional and Hygienic Meal Preparation

ARF placed great emphasis on delivering balanced and hygienic meals. Using FDA-approved ingredients, each meal was freshly prepared every day, with a focus on nutrition, taste, and tradition.

Sehri Menu:

• Parathas and rotis (flatbread) were served daily.
• Accompaniments included yogurt and lassi (sweet or salty varieties).
• The daily curries were rotated, featuring:
• Chicken Qorma
• Chana (chickpea curry)
• Anda Kofta (egg and meatball curry)
• Haleem
• Water was provided to ensure hydration during the long fasts.

Iftar Menu:

• The fast was broken traditionally with dates and sharbat or lemon sharbat.
• Snacks included:
• Samosas
• Rolls
• Dahi Bara or Fruit Chaat
• Chana Chaat
• The main course switched between rice or curries such as:
• Haleem
• Chana
• Chicken Qorma
• Kofta

This menu ensured that participants were well-nourished, making their fasts easier to endure.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

The success of this initiative was largely attributed to ARF’s dedicated volunteers, who worked tirelessly to prepare and serve meals in a timely and organized manner. Even during challenges such as rain, the Dastarkhwan (dining area) was moved to a covered space to ensure the continuity of services.

The initiative attracted media coverage from City 42 and other local outlets, which amplified awareness of ARF’s work, while the foundation’s social media team provided regular updates to keep donors and the public informed.

Community Participation and Spiritual Uplift

The daily Iftar gatherings were more than just a meal. They provided an opportunity for spiritual growth and community bonding. Each gathering concluded with Mehfil-e-Naat (religious poetry recitations) and a dua (prayer), adding a sense of togetherness and gratitude. Children in particular enjoyed the welcoming environment, making the event a joyful experience for all.

Donor and Stakeholder Engagement

ARF maintained transparent communication with its donors, offering daily reports on the progress of the initiative. This transparency not only reassured the donors about how their contributions were being used but also encouraged ongoing support.

Conclusion

ARF’s first-ever Ramadan Sehr and Iftar initiative near the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Area, Township, Lahore, was a significant success. Throughout the month, ARF provided essential relief to hundreds of individuals, staying true to its mission to combat hunger and alleviate poverty. The initiative underscored ARF’s ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities, setting the stage for future projects aimed at reducing dependency and empowering society. By organizing this event, ARF successfully demonstrated its capacity to bring about positive change, fostering both community spirit and hope for a better future. The success of this initiative highlighted ARF's potential to bring real change to the lives of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations, aligning with its broader mission to reduce dependency, empower communities, and uplift society as a whole.

In line with its mission to alleviate hunger and reduce poverty, Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) launched the Ramadan 2023 Ration Distribution Program, which successfully provided food packages to over 300 deserving and underprivileged families in Lahore. This initiative was held during the holy month of Ramadan, a time when communal charity and acts of generosity are emphasized. By providing nutritious and essential food items, ARF aimed to address food insecurity and ease the burden on families struggling to make ends meet.

Objective of the Program: The primary objective of the Ration Distribution Program 2023 was to distribute food packages to impoverished and deserving families, especially during Ramadan, when the need for food security becomes even more urgent. Through this initiative, ARF sought to:

• Combat hunger by providing essential nutrition.
• Promote well-being among vulnerable communities.
• Foster a sense of community support and empathy.

This project not only helped alleviate hunger but also contributed to creating a more compassionate society by ensuring that no family in need went without food during this sacred time.

Program Details:

Food Distribution Process: The distribution process was carried out in a systematic and organized manner to ensure that assistance reached the right people. ARF worked with local stores to purchase and prepare food packages, which were then distributed to identify low-income families.

• 300 Families Served: A total of 300 low-income families were identified and given food packages.
• Coupon Distribution: Eligible families were issued coupons with a unique code that allowed them to collect their food packages.
• Detailed Beneficiary Lists: To ensure the targeted families received the aid, ARF prepared beneficiary lists with detailed information (CNIC, mobile number) to avoid any discrepancies.

Food Package Contents: Each package was designed to provide a balanced diet, containing essential food items necessary for the families during Ramadan. The food packages included:

• Wheat Atta: 5kg
• Banaspati Ghee: 2kg
• Sugar: 2kg
• Supreme Rice: 2kg
• Sharbat (Ruh Afzah): 500ml
• Daal Chana: 1kg
• Basen (Gram Flour): 1kg
• Daal Masur: 1kg
• Tea: 250g
• Salt: 1kg
• Red Chilli Powder: 250g
• Haldi Powder (Turmeric): 250g
• Dates: 500g
• Savaiyan (Vermicelli): 500g
• Daal Mash: 1kg

These items were selected to ensure the families received a complete, nutritious diet that would sustain them through the month.

Volunteer and Community Engagement: The success of this initiative was heavily dependent on the efforts of ARF’s dedicated volunteers. The team worked tirelessly to organize, pack, and distribute the food packages on time. Even during challenging weather conditions, such as rain, the distribution site was relocated to a covered area to ensure uninterrupted service.

• Volunteers also helped with verifying CNICs, managing the distribution lines, and ensuring each family received their food package.

Media and Public Engagement: The initiative received media coverage from various local news channels, including City 42, which helped raise awareness about the program. ARF’s social media team provided live updates and behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the impact of the program and keeping donors informed about how their contributions were being utilized. Regular updates on social media also encouraged public participation and raised awareness of the ongoing efforts to alleviate hunger in the community.

Community and Spiritual Engagement: While the primary goal was to provide food, the program also served as an opportunity for spiritual and community bonding.

• Community Spirit: Every distribution session was marked by a sense of unity and togetherness, where people from all walks of life came together to help and support one another.
• Spiritual Upliftment: The event was also spiritually enriching, with prayers and duas (supplications) being offered for the well-being of the families receiving aid.
• Children’s Involvement: Children were particularly excited about the event, making it a joyous occasion for them and their families.

Donor and Stakeholder Engagement: ARF ensured transparency and accountability by providing daily reports on the program's progress to donors. This helped build trust and provided donors with a clear picture of how their contributions were being utilized.

• Gratitude to Donors: ARF expressed its deep gratitude to donors, highlighting their essential role in making this initiative successful.
• Continued Support: Through this transparent approach, ARF encouraged ongoing donor support, which is vital for the continuation of such impactful projects.

Conclusion: ARF’s Ramadan 2023 Ration Distribution Program was an overwhelming success, providing critical relief to 300 families during the holy month. By ensuring that food packages were distributed efficiently and fairly, ARF contributed significantly to alleviating hunger and food insecurity in the region. The project highlighted the organization's commitment to fulfilling its mission of combating hunger, reducing poverty, and promoting community welfare.

The success of this initiative demonstrated the positive impact that can be achieved through collective effort and charity. ARF remains committed to expanding such initiatives in the future, with a focus on empowering communities, reducing dependency, and ensuring that everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.

Together, we can continue to support those in need, build a more compassionate society, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.

Acknowledgment: ARF would like to thank all the volunteers, donors, and supporters who contributed to the success of this project. Your generosity and commitment to helping the less fortunate are the driving forces behind the success of such initiatives.

“Let us continue to work together to bring hope, dignity, and nourishment to those in need.”

ARF Ramadan 2023 Ration Distribution Program - A Summary

In Ramadan 2023, Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) successfully launched its Ration Distribution Program, providing over 300 underprivileged families in Lahore with essential food packages. Aimed at alleviating hunger during the holy month, the initiative included essential items like wheat, rice, ghee, and dates, offering nutritional support to families struggling with food insecurity. The program’s success was driven by the dedication of ARF volunteers, community engagement, and transparency with donors. This initiative not only provided sustenance but also fostered a sense of unity and generosity, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan.