PHILADELPHIA, PA − February 10, 2026 – Senator Sharif Street joined Philabundance CEO Loree D. Jones-Brown, City of Philadelphia officials, and community partners today at the Neighborhood Resource Center/Uplift Solutions to kick off the sixth annual Driving Hunger Away During Ramadan initiative. The 30-day food distribution effort will provide 7,600 meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Philadelphia.
According to reports, more than 485,000 Philadelphia residents have experienced reductions in food assistance following the expiration of pandemic-era SNAP benefit extensions in 2023. National estimates suggest households have lost an average of $80 in SNAP benefits per person per month. Combined with inflation and increased SNAP skimming, these challenges have deepened food insecurity across the region.
Beginning with the start of Ramadan on February 18 through March 19, the initiative will feed at least 200 people daily at community spaces across North Philadelphia. Philabundance, long recognized as a leader in the fight against hunger, will partner with 30 selected community organizations to distribute the meals.
“Ramadan is a time of reflection, compassion, and service to others, and this initiative embodies those values by ensuring that thousands of our neighbors have access to nutritious meals,” said Senator Sharif Street. “As too many Philadelphia families continue to feel the strain of reduced SNAP benefits, rising costs, and ongoing food insecurity, partnerships like this demonstrate what is possible when government, nonprofits, and community leaders come together with a shared purpose. I am proud to stand with Philabundance and our community partners to help drive hunger away and reaffirm our commitment to supporting every resident with dignity and care.”
“Philabundance is deeply honored to collaborate with Senator Street for the 6th annual Driving Away Hunger During Ramadan,” said Philabundance CEO Loree D. Jones-Brown. “Philabundance Community Kitchen is preparing 7,600 wholesome meals to be distributed daily by one of 30 selected community partners in North Philadelphia. During Ramadan—when Muslims are expected to fast from sunrise to sundown—those who are unable to fast are encouraged to feed those in need, which makes Driving Away Hunger During Ramadan perfectly suited for our mission of driving hunger from our communities.”
WHO: Sen. Sharif Street; Loree D. Jones-Brown, CEO, Philabundance; Willie Singletary, Office of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker; Assata M. Thomas, Executive Director, Division of Reentry; Adam Geer, Director of Public Safety, City of Philadelphia; Quaiser Abdullah, Director of Muslim Engagement for the City of Philadelphia; and Atif Bostic, Uplift Solutions
WHAT: Driving Hunger Away During Ramadan Kickoff
WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.
WHERE: Neighborhood Resource Center | Uplift Solutions, 2221 W. Venango St. (at W. Hunting Park Ave. and Pacific St.), Philadelphia
For more information, participants may contact Senator Street’s District Office at 215-227-6161.
