In 1993, the pioneering efforts of Major Muhammad Abbas Ali (1921-2009) and his wife, Sarwar Jahan Begum (1928-2013) launched the Muslim Welfare Centre and its Halal Food & Essential Items Bank. From the very beginning, the food bank has provided individuals and families with non-perishable food items and halal meat. Additionally, essential household items, clothing, footwear and winter gear are provided, based on availability. There has always been a special focus on children and so we provide backpacks at the start of the school year, as well as presents during the holiday season. We have a database of over 9,900 registered families who rely on our food bank to supplement their food requirement. In 2014, our food bank received over 11,400 family visits. Clients are served in Scarborough, Mississauga and Montreal, Quebec. The most common items requested by our clients include: Rice/Flour Halal meat Baby formula Oil Cereal Pasta (canned or dry) Lentils Powdered milk Canned fruits & vegetables Dried beans Sugar Diapers The following groups can access our food bank: The Unemployed Social Welfare Assistance Recipients Employment Insurance Recipients Refugees New Immigrants Anyone in real need Please note clients are permitted to access the food bank once monthly, however special circumstances can be discussed with our staff. Please note valid ID must be presented for registration and on each visit. Acceptable forms of Identification include: SIN Card Passport Immigration ID Driver’s License Proof of Income or Rent
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