Introduction
In the heart of Staten Island, New York, a culinary revolution is taking place. But this isn’t just about flavor—it’s about purpose. Yala, a 100% nonprofit halal restaurant operated by the Umma Foundation, is turning every meal into a mission. All profits are reinvested into food relief programs, orphan sponsorship, and community hunger solutions.
Yala: More Than a Restaurant
Yala isn’t just where you eat—it’s where you give.
What Makes Yala Unique:
- 100% nonprofit model
- Fully halal, ethically sourced meals
- Profits support food insecurity relief, locally and abroad
- Community-based, operated in Staten Island
Whether you're enjoying a shawarma wrap or family platter, you're helping provide meals to those in need—from food deserts in New York to refugee families in Gaza.
The Need: Muslim Communities and Food Insecurity
According to Feeding America, over 34 million people in the U.S. struggle with hunger—including 1 in 8 children. In urban centers like New York, Muslim families face unique challenges accessing halal-certified, affordable food. This gap is what inspired Yala’s founding.
Many in the community turn to halal food pantries, mosques, and Muslim-run social centers to meet their needs. Keywords like "muslim food pantry near me" and "mosque donation NYC" are increasing in search volume—clear indicators of growing demand.
Yala works to close that gap.
Islamic Perspective: A Reward That Never Ends
Sponsoring an orphan is one of the most loved forms of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity). It's a deed that keeps benefiting both the giver and the child long after the donation is made.
"They ask you what they should spend. Say, 'Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans...'" — Qur’an 2:215
Resources for deeper understanding:
How Yala’s Meals Fuel Global Relief
At Yala, your meal supports:
- Bread distribution in Gaza
- Emergency food baskets in Yemen
- Orphan sponsorship in Sudan and Lebanon
- Local halal food pantry deliveries across NYC
Yala’s revenue directly funds Umma’s grassroots campaigns like the Bread Distribution Project
A $15 meal = hot food for 3 families abroad.
Yala’s Role in NYC’s Food Security Ecosystem
Yala also supports food security efforts right here at home. Working alongside local food justice nonprofits, Yala distributes halal groceries and hot meals during Ramadan and winter relief drives.
Other Organizations Leading the Fight:
- City Harvest NYC: Rescues surplus food for 400+ food programs across NYC.
- Food Bank for New York City: Serving over 1.2 million NYC residents in need.
- God’s Love We Deliver: Prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to those living with illness.
- Rethink Food NYC: Transforms excess food into meals for underserved communities.
Yala’s model complements their work, addressing cultural and dietary needs with dignity.
How You Can Support
You don’t need to be a chef or activist to make a difference.
Here’s how you can help:
- Eat at Yala Restaurant
- Donate to Umma Foundation food programs
- Volunteer your time at Yala or local food drives
- Spread the word—every bite counts
Top 5 Charities Supporting Food Security & Orphan Relief
If you're inspired by Yala’s mission and want to expand your impact, here are five trusted organizations that are leading the way in fighting hunger and supporting orphans globally:
- Umma Foundation
A grassroots nonprofit based in New York, Umma Foundation operates Yala restaurant and delivers food, medical aid, and orphan care in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon.
🔗 ummafoundation.org - Islamic Relief USA
Offers a wide range of programs including emergency food relief, clean water access, and orphan sponsorships across over 40 countries.
🔗 https://irusa.org/ - Human Appeal
Known for its transparency and strong donor updates, Human Appeal supports vulnerable families through food, education, and child sponsorship.
🔗 https://humanappeal.org.uk/appeals/orphan-sponsorship - Penny Appeal USA
Runs the “OrphanKind” program and hunger relief campaigns, providing affordable monthly sponsorship options with clear impact tracking.
🔗 https://pennyappealusa.org/appeal/orphankind - Zakat Foundation of America
Offers nutrition-focused relief, orphan support, and Ramadan meal distribution in underserved regions.
🔗 https://www.zakat.org/our-programs/orphan-care
Final Thoughts
Food is a human right. At Yala, it’s also an opportunity—to give, to nourish, and to uplift. From the streets of New York to the camps of Gaza, every plate served helps someone else eat.
💚 Ready to Make an Impact?
🔗 ummafoundation.org/yala-restaurant
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