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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ISLAMIC RELIEF USA FOR THEIR HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS TO END FOOD INSECURITY IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA was founded in 1993 in California and began its international humanitarian efforts; and
WHEREAS, for the past quarter of a century, Islamic Relief USA has upheld its mission to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA and its partner organizations have provided food assistance and support, emergency disaster relief, healthcare, refugee assistance, financial literacy education as well as vocational trainings in underserved areas; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA recognizes that homelessness and poverty are some of the main contributors to food insecurity and one of the major issues affecting our American population; and
WHEREAS, one in five people in the United States is food insecure; and
WHEREAS, food aid is the largest sector of the humanitarian aid Islamic Relief USA provides; and
WHEREAS, through its Hot Meals Program, Seasonal Food Programs, and support for their partner organization food programs and pantries, Islamic Relief USA is working to alleviate food insecurity in major urban cities across the US; and
WHEREAS, in 2025 Islamic Relief USA has partnered with 14 organizations to provide food aid to children, low-income households, refugees, people experiencing homelessness, people living in food deserts, and other vulnerable populations across the country; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA has partnered with elected officials to distribute over 6,000 free hot meals in 2025, with a goal of 100,000 total hot meals distributed in Chicago alone; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and supporting work across the country that provides families with the resources they need to succeed; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA believes in the well-being of every life and provides aid to those suffering from disasters, poverty and injustice; and
WHEREAS, Day of Dignity serves as an opportunity for Islamic Relief USA volunteers to come together and offer critical support to neighbors in need; and
WHEREAS, such aid comes in the form of serving hot nutritious meals, distributing essential items such as clothing and hygiene kits, providing haircuts for those unable to afford them, and offering access to free medical care and screenings; and
WHEREAS, vital services given on Day of Dignity help ensure that basic needs are met for some of the nation’s most vulnerable individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, this year, 20 organizations participated across 20 cities in 13 states, showcasing the magnitude of the humanitarian efforts Islamic Relief USA provides; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA has grown to have regional offices in 4 different states including California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas, in addition to their headquarters in Virginia just outside Washington D.C. helping coordinate their efforts; and
WHEREAS, Islamic Relief USA views themselves as humanitarian and development practitioners with the duty to uphold custodianship over the earth, its resources, and the people on it, as stated by the Qur’an; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, does hereby recognize and congratulate Islamic Relief USA on their undeniable humanitarian relief impact across Cook County, the United States of America, and the world; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of Islamic Relief USA as a token to appreciation for the 32 years of custodianship they have provided to our most vulnerable communities.end