Zakat Foundation of America schedules rice distributions across the Carolinas

Zakat Foundation of America will distribute 13,200 pounds of rice to families in North Carolina and South Carolina from Oct. 24 through Nov. 22 as food insecurity and grocery costs remain high. The aid effort includes stops in Durham, Candler, Greensboro and partner sites across the region.

Why it matters: - Food insecurity is putting pressure on families across the Carolinas as grocery bills compete with rent, utilities, transportation and medical costs. - Rice is a staple that can stretch meals for a week and meet cultural food needs in many communities. - The distribution effort is meant to provide immediate relief while families absorb rising food costs.

What happened: - Zakat Foundation of America will hold a second round of community rice distributions across North Carolina and South Carolina from Oct. 24, 2026, through Nov. 22, 2026. - The organization plans to distribute 13,200 pounds of rice. - Scheduled North Carolina distributions include Cornwallis Apartments in Durham on Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - A Durham distribution is also set for Parktown Food Hub on Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Another Oct. 26 distribution is scheduled for 12 Hilltop Dr. in Candler from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - The schedule also includes the Islamic Center of the Triad in Greensboro on Nov. 1 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Naples Terrace Apartments in Durham is scheduled for Nov. 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - The final listed stop is the MERA Health Fair at 5110 Revere Rd. in Durham on Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The details: - Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap analysis estimates that more than 1.7 million North Carolinians are food insecure. - Food banks in South Carolina report that 1 in 7 residents live in food-insecure households. - Zakat Foundation of America says the effort is designed to give families a dependable foundation for meals. - The organizations listed as other partner agencies are Islamic Association of Raleigh, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Winston-Salem, and Clemson Community Care in South Carolina. - Community members with questions about a specific distribution may contact Sadia Khalid at sadia.k@zakat.org. - Local partners interested in bringing support to their own community may contact Outreach and Engagement Director Nayma Kose at nayma@zakat.org. - Media requests or interview requests may be submitted to lindsey.b@zakat.org. - More information is available on Zakat Foundation of America’s website or by calling 1-888-ZAKAT-US.

Between the lines: - The distribution schedule clusters multiple events in Durham, suggesting the city remains a central hub for the foundation’s Carolina outreach. - The choice to distribute rice reflects a focus on a low-cost, high-impact staple rather than a broader food package. - The timing, coming ahead of the holidays and during an extended stretch of high food prices, points to ongoing demand for emergency food support.

What's next: - Zakat Foundation of America will continue the scheduled distributions through Nov. 22. - Partner agencies and local contacts could expand the model to additional communities if more groups ask for support. - Families seeking help can attend the listed distribution sites or reach out using the contact information provided.