MEET <span>THE PANTRY</span>

MEET THE PANTRY

OUR STORY

The story of the IFS Food Pantry is one of community, vision, and inclusive growth. Founded in 2008 by a compassionate individual named Saleha, the pantry began as a modest effort to ensure that no one in the local Muslim community had to suffer from hunger. With only $200, Saleha managed to provide for six families, showing that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
As the needs grew, so did the pantry. In 2011, Sister Kauser took over the leadership and steered the pantry towards an even broader mission. Recognizing the universal challenge of hunger, she expanded the pantry’s services to include all members of the community, regardless of their faith. This marked a new chapter for the pantry, moving from a small section of a cafeteria to acquiring its own warehouse. This transition not only multiplied the pantry’s storage capacity but also its ability to serve and impact the community.
Operating under the Islamic Foundation of South Florida (IFSF), the pantry has become a crucial hub for food security in Sunrise, Florida. It stands as a testament to the power of inclusive community service, embodying the principle that to serve one is to serve all. The journey from a tiny group to a comprehensive community resource illustrates the power of vision backed by unwavering support and dedication.
This story is more than just about feeding the hungry; it’s about nurturing a community’s spirit through generosity and shared responsibility. The IFS Food Pantry continues to be a place where volunteers and donors come together to ensure that no one in their community is left behind, promoting a message of hope and unity through action.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a hunger-free South Florida, where every family has access to nutritious food, toys for the kids, and the support they need to thrive regardless of who they are.

Our Goals

Our goals are to alleviate hunger, promote food security, and foster a supportive community by providing nutritious meals and essential resources to families in need.

Our Values

At our food pantry, we value compassion, dignity, and community. We believe in serving with respect, providing nourishing food, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

Hunger Prevention

We are dedicated to preventing hunger by providing regular access to nutritious food for individuals and families facing food insecurity in South Florida.

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Empowering Change

Sister Kauser Haroon:

Leading with Compassion at IFSFFoodPantry

Sister Kauser Haroon embodies the spirit of service and leadership at the IFSFFoodPantry, where she has significantly transformed a modest operation into a robust support system for the community. With a solid educational foundation in Economics and History, Sister Kauser initially applied her skills in the business sector, managing franchises such as Dairy Queen, Carvel, Dunkin’ Donuts, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Her business acumen was further sharpened through international experiences, including setting up a call center for AT&T in India and establishing a new program in Fort Pierce, managing a team of 117 employees.

After her husband’s passing, Sister Kauser continued to explore opportunities where she could make a tangible difference. Her journey into philanthropy began with attending Quran classes at IFSF, which naturally led her to volunteer at the IFSFFoodPantry. Her dedication and leadership qualities soon saw her taking over the leadership role upon retirement. Under her guidance, the pantry has grown exponentially from supporting 6 families to assisting 250 families in need.

Sister Kauser lives by the profound principle of Hazrat Ali: “If someone comes to your door and goes back empty-handed, you are answerable to Allah.“ She believes firmly that if Allah has placed one in a position to aid others, it is a duty to do so. This belief is the cornerstone of her mission to ensure that no individual in her community is left in need.

Her vision for the future is clear—to expand the pantry’s resources and reach, ensuring that hunger is eliminated and that every individual has access to the necessities of life. Sister Kauser Haroon continues to be a beacon of hope and service, driven by her dream to see a world where no one goes hungry.