Zakat Foundation to distribute 13,200 pounds of rice across the Carolinas

Zakat Foundation of America will hand out 1,200 bags of rice at nine sites in North and South Carolina from Aug. 29 to Sept. 19. The effort targets families and refugees facing higher grocery costs and pressure on household budgets.

Why it matters: - The 13,200-pound rice giveaway is aimed at families deciding between food, rent and utilities as grocery prices rise. - The distribution is focused on underserved residents and refugees in North and South Carolina. - Local mosques, community centers and outreach groups are helping move aid directly into neighborhoods.

What happened: - Zakat Foundation of America will distribute 1,200 bags of rice across North and South Carolina from Aug. 29 through Sept. 19. - The distributions will happen at nine locations in Durham, Charlotte, Cary and Rock Hill. - The Islamic Association of Raleigh will distribute 240 bags to refugees and other underserved residents near Raleigh. - AlNoor Islamic Center will distribute 100 bags to underserved families in the Fuquay-Varina region.

The details: - Distribution sites include the Zakat Foundation of America Community Center in Durham, Colonial Townhouse Apartments in Durham, 100 Pillars Mosque in Charlotte and the Islamic Information Center of South Carolina in Rock Hill. - Additional sites include North Durham Masjid, Jamaat Ibad ar-Rahman, Parkwood Food Hub, El Centro Hispano and Cary Masjid. - The first round of distributions begins Aug. 29, with additional events scheduled on Sept. 1, Sept. 4, Sept. 7, Sept. 14 and Sept. 19. - Community members with questions about a specific date can contact Sadia Khalid at sadia.k@zakat.org. - Local partners interested in bringing support to their own community can contact Outreach and Engagement Director Nayma Kose at nayma@zakat.org. - Media requests can be sent to lindsey.b@zakat.org.

Between the lines: - The effort reflects growing pressure on household budgets, with food insecurity amplified by higher grocery bills. - The partnership model suggests Zakat Foundation is using existing faith-based and community networks to reach residents faster. - The release positions the distribution as immediate relief rather than a one-time charitable gesture.

What's next: - More rice distributions will continue through Sept. 19 at the scheduled Carolina locations. - Community partners can potentially expand the effort by contacting Zakat Foundation of America. - The organization says photos and videos are available on its website and social media.

The bottom line: - Zakat Foundation of America is using a coordinated local network to deliver food aid to Carolina families under cost-of-living pressure. - More information is available on ZAKAT.org or by calling 1-888-ZAKAT-US.