At the beginning of COVID-19, all Mosques were closed due to COVID restrictions and all social gatherings were restricted. This was a new Ramadan for Muslims in the Twin Cities- one we were not accustomed to. It was the first Ramadan where we could not get together to break our fast or to pray Taraweeh in the congregation.

Dr. Shabaz Charity Group saw a need that had to be filled and Iftar Box was started as a way to provide a sense of community and togetherness in a time of separation and isolation. Every night in Ramadan, a team of volunteers would get together to package and distribute meals. To maintain COVID protocols, people would stay in their cars and the volunteers would bring the packaged meals to them.