Sikh Community Distributes 2,100 Food Packages to Families in Maryland Amid Pandemic

A Sikh community in Maryland hosted a drive-thru food package distribution to families in Silver Spring in the Washington D.C. area amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Helping hand: The food distribution, organized by Guru Nanak Foundation of America Gurudwara, happens every Sunday morning at the Sikh temple’s driveway, according to The Logical Indian.

Around 25 volunteers helped the Sikh community distribute the package every weekend.
They follow a system of packing all the donated food received on Saturday and distribute them the following day.
The organization usually receives crackers, cookies, cakes, food cans and fresh fruits that are packed for the week.
Distribution usually starts at 11 a.m., but families already line up as early as 9:30 a.m. Over 300 families line up to get the donated food loaded in their trunk.
In just seven weeks, the Sikh community has already donated more than 2,100 food packs to those in need.

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Traditional tenant: Their food distribution drive is one of Sikhism’s traditional tenants called “Langar Sewa.”

The word Langar means “an almshouse” or “a place for the poor and needy,” which is a community kitchen in the Sikh tradition, India Times reported.
Sewa, on the other hand, means “selfless service,” according to BBC Bitesize.
The concept of “Langar Sewa” is to provide everyone who is in need of food regardless of the person’s religious affiliation, class, caste or gender.
“That smile on the face I think that says it all and I think, more than them, it is us that are grateful that we have been able to carry out this food drive,” Ginny Ahluwalia, Representative of the Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee of the Guru Nanak Foundation of America, told ANI.
Everyone is also donating whatever they can for the good cause.
“People have been donating. So, whoever can volunteer is giving their time. Whoever cannot give their time is giving money,” Ginny said.

Feature Image Screenshot via Hindustan Times

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