Canadian Imams Launch #FastFeed Ramadan Food Bank Campaign to Combat Hunger

With food insecurity at record levels, #FastFeed encourages Canadian Muslims and fellow citizens of all faiths and backgrounds to participate by fasting, skipping, or brown-bagging lunch, and donating the savings to local food banks.

According to Food Banks Canada, over 2 million visits were made to food banks in March of last year—the highest number recorded in Canadian history.

“Feeding the hungry is one of the greatest acts of charity in Islam,” said Imam Sikander Hashmi, Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Imams, the group leading the initiative. “With so many Canadians experiencing hunger, it is our collective moral duty to ensure that none of our neighbours go to sleep hungry.”

Hashmi emphasized that Ramadan is the peak of Muslim charitable giving, and with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the potential impact of cross-border tariffs, it is more crucial than ever to support one another.

“Imagine the impact we could have if all Canadians who are food secure just consumed a little bit less, and redirected those savings towards those who need it most,” Hashmi said.

The #FastFeed campaign will run throughout Ramadan, from March 1 to March 29, 2025. Mosques and other organizations are urged to collect monetary donations for local food banks through Ramadan. Contributions can also be made through Give30.ca, a longstanding initiative supporting food banks during the holy month.

“Difficult times teach many lessons, one of the most important of which is that we must come together in solidarity, compassion, and kindness to ensure that no one is forgotten or left behind,” said Imam Rashid Taylor of Give30. “Ramadan allows us time to pause and reflect, take stock of our blessings, and turn our minds and hearts to those in need.”

About Ramadan & Fasting

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset. This period of spirituality, self-discipline and reflection fosters patience, gratitude, and social responsibility. At sunset, families and communities gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast followed by special night prayers. Those unable to fast feed those in need instead.

About the Canadian Council of Imams (CCI)

The Canadian Council of Imams (CCI) is an independent, non-profit organization uniting over 100 Imams and Islamic religious leaders across Canada. Established in 1990, CCI supports Imams in their spiritual and community leadership roles while serving as a trusted source of Islamic guidance for Canadian Muslims, government bodies, and the public.