The Islamic Food Bank of Toledo, established to combat food insecurity in northwest Ohio, has significantly expanded its services and reach with the support of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. This case study explores the transformative impact of the Foundation's funding, highlighting key achievements and future plans for sustainable growth.

History of the Islamic Food Bank

Founded in 2008 by dedicated local Muslim leaders, the Islamic Food Bank aims to empower both the Muslim community and the greater Toledo area by feeding the hungry and spreading peace. This community-driven organization has grown significantly, providing thousands of people across northwest Ohio with consistent access to nutritious food.

"As a physician born and raised in India from a lower middle-class family, my parents instilled in us the values of both religion and helping the needy,” said Dr. M. Razi Rafeeq, executive director and board president of the Islamic Food Bank. "Every Friday, my mom would prepare a special meal, and my brother and I would deliver it to the needy before we sat down to eat as a family."

Guided by values such as spirituality through service, meaningful connections, and treating everyone with dignity and respect, the Islamic Food Bank collaborates with various partners to ensure the community has enough to eat year-round. Its network of community partnerships and dedicated efforts reflect its deep-rooted principles of feeding the hungry and caring for neighbors.

The Challenge: Growing Pains

Until 2023, the Islamic Food Bank relied almost entirely on volunteers, creating challenges in leadership, continuity, and sustainability. The pandemic worsened these issues, with demand for food tripling in 2020 and quadrupling in 2021. To meet growing needs, the Islamic Food Bank launched new pantry programs and added partners for its popular Weekender Food Bags program but soon realized volunteers alone couldn't keep up. In 2023, they hired a full-time program manager, but lack of funding halted further team expansion. Back-end warehouse operations and logistics were a prime concern. 

The organization also needed to expand its board and strengthen leadership to ensure long-term sustainability. They recognized the importance of a strategic plan for growth but lacked the resources to create one.

The Role of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation: Support and Resources Beyond Financial Aid

In Spring 2024, the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation awarded $1.3 million in grants to 62 nonprofits in northwest Ohio, focusing on food security, housing stability, and youth education. The Islamic Food Bank received a $25,000 grant used for:

• Staffing Support: The grant enabled the hiring of a part-time, entry-level warehouse associate to help manage food donations and distribution.
• Strategic Planning: Earlier, the Foundation had funded the development of a strategic plan, connecting the Islamic Food Bank with Aly Sterling Philanthropy. Together, they developed a three-year strategic plan, including a stakeholder survey, leadership retreat, and a focus on board, funding, and program expansion.

"The biggest help, in addition to the staffing funding, is the strategic planning. This is going to be a big help for us,” said Dr. Rafeeq.

Impact and Outcomes: Long-term Benefits and Sustainability

With the Foundation's funding, the Islamic Food Bank will implement sustaining measures to support increased demand, serving more individuals and families. 

The hiring process for a warehouse associate is underway. This new role will improve efficiency in back-end warehouse operations. The strategic planning support has provided leadership with a structure for envisioning the future of the organization. They are working to address weak points such as board governance so that the organization is well-positioned to meet community needs in years to come. 

The Foundation's support has shaped the Islamic Food Bank's strategic direction, laying a foundation for long-term sustainability and growth.

"Toledo is a special place. When there's a need, people step up to help. We are truly fortunate to have such a compassionate community," said Dr. Rafeeq. "I dream of a world where there's no need for food banks, and everyone has enough nutritious food to learn, grow, and play without worrying about their next meal."

A Transformative Partnership

The Islamic Food Bank's partnership with the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation has been transformative. It addresses immediate food insecurity and empowers the community long-term. This collaboration highlights the significant impact strategic funding and support can have on nonprofits.

"Everyone at the Foundation means a great deal to the food bank, our board, our leadership, and the people we serve. It’s more than just funding; it’s about forging connections,” said Dr. Rafeeq. “The Foundation's support bolsters our mission and lends credibility to our work, attracting further assistance from other foundations.”