The Islamic Food Bank (IFB) has opened its second neighborhood food pantry to address food insecurity in the Weiler Homes and Spieker Terrace communities in East Toledo.

The idea of the new food bank was suggested by Dr. M. Razi Rafeeq, who had a medical practice nearby for 40 years and had a chance to witness food insecurity first-hand on many occasions.

“I saw patients from this community on a daily basis,” Dr. Rafeeq said. “I took really good care of their medical needs and healthcare needs. But I wanted to do more.”

The IFB pantry is expected to serve more than 250 residents on a weekly basis, more than 40 percent of whom are children, according to event organizers. Those residents typically lack a vehicle or funds or both to use grocery stores, none of which are within a four-mile radius of the apartments, they said.

Unlike most of the food pantries, the new one will feature not only non-perishable foods, but also fresh produce, bread and bakery items, and a variety of protein sources such as meats.

The pantry at Weiler Homes is the Islamic Food Bank’s second neighborhood-based pantry. The first in northwest Ohio was established at Perrysburg Heights Community Association in March, 2020 and is open on a weekly basis to anyone in need.

The food bank also supports at least five other area pantries.

Source: Toledo Blade