Birmingham Islamic Society Pledges 35,000 Meals to Hoover Residents Affected by SNAP Cutoff
Meals will be distributed to all those affected by SNAP cutoff, regardless of faith, demonstrating Muslim community’s commitment to neighbors
As federal SNAP benefits face suspension amid the ongoing government shutdown, the Birmingham Islamic Society has pledged to deliver 35,000 meals to residents of Hoover who find themselves without food support. The meals, the Society says, will be available to any Hoover resident in need—no questions asked.
This is about humanity, said the Society’s leaders. In a statement, Dr. Nasim Uddin, President of the Birmingham Islamic Society, explained:
"Our faith teaches us that caring for our neighbors is not just encouraged—it is a fundamental obligation," Dr. Uddin said. "The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught us that 'He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbor goes hungry.' This principle guides our action today, and we serve all people because our faith is rooted in compassion for humanity."
The meals are being coordinated through a partnership with Islamic Relief USA. The goal is to support any Hoover family impacted by the disruption of federal nutrition aid—regardless of race, religion, or background.
Meal distribution is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Birmingham Islamic Center Hoover. All Hoover residents in need are invited to come by.
Dr. Uddin added:
“Hoover is our home, and these are our neighbors. When members of our community are struggling, our faith calls us to act immediately and generously. We are honored to serve all residents alongside our interfaith partners to ensure that every child and family in Hoover has the nourishment they need during this challenging time.”
The 35,000-meal gift demonstrates the Muslim community's ongoing commitment to Hoover and exemplifies the Islamic principle of serving all of humanity. Muslim families in the Birmingham area see themselves as partners in building a stronger, more compassionate Hoover community where everyone is cared for, regardless of their faith or background.
The contribution by the Birmingham Muslim community is part of a broader interfaith and community response to support working families affected by the SNAP cutoff. Food banks and faith groups in Birmingham and beyond already are bracing for a surge in need.
In Birmingham, officials also have moved to help. On October 30, the City announced that Mayor Randall Woodfin would ask the City Council to allocate $1 million toward supplemental nutrition support for households impacted by the SNAP disruption.
Local nonprofits are seeing the effect immediately. At the Community Kitchens in downtown Birmingham, staff say they are preparing for new faces as many who rely on SNAP will not receive benefits next month. “It’ll be challenging,” said the Kitchens’ Executive Director, “but we’re hoping the community will help us help others,” WTVM reported.
As this crisis unfolds, the Birmingham Islamic Society believes that communities must come together to support one another in time of need, and has invited other organizations and individuals to join forces in relief work. Birmingham’s Muslims say they are committed to caring for all their neighbors, no matter their faith. This effort in Hoover sends a broader message: when public safety nets fail, communities must step in.
Those wishing to contribute or who need more information about accessing meals should contact Amyn Pabani at the Birmingham Islamic Society by phone at (205) 879-4247.
For more information on the Birmingham Islamic Society, visit bisweb.org.
