The IFANCA sponsored Sabeel Food Pantry started up in October 2002, distributing food and dinners to the indigent and needy. The Mission was simple, to reach out to those individuals and families who are in need of assistance and to help supplement their necessities by providing nutritious food and other consumables.

The concept was also simple. IFANCA is involved in certification of food and consumable products. There are many needy people in the neighborhoods of the Chicago metropolitan community. IFANCA would sponsor the Pantry and pay all the operating expenses. All donations of food or cash would be used to help the needy. That is right, 100% of all donations will be used to buy the food and the necessities.

The following Objectives were established:

1. To collect cash donations and donations of food and other consumables from the food companies, merchants and the community.
2. To distribute food and other consumables to the individuals and families in the indigent communities of the Chicago metropolitan area, with the intention to expand operations to cover the entire United States.
3. To use any cash donations to purchase food and necessary items for distribution.

The initial activities included:

• Serving Iftar meals to the homeless during Ramadan 2002
• Distributing food packets to needy families during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha
• Coordinating events with other organizations to feed needy children
• Arranging grocery packets for indigent families with the support of community leaders

We are pleased with the food donations made by the food companies and the generous contributions of the community. We encourage all food companies and individuals to continue to donate generously. Everyone deserves a nutritious meal and IFANCA wants to see that everyone gets one. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Sabeel Food Pantry, c/o IFANCA, 5901 N. Cicero Ave, Suite 309, Chicago, IL 60649 or sabeelpantry@ifanca.org.

Get into the Ramadan spirit early by making a donation to the Sabeel Food Pantry. To make a donation contact Quadir Latifi at (773) 283-3708 extension 230 or send a check or money order payable to IFANCA/Pantry. Also, please consider giving your time to the Pantry. We can use volunteers to pick up donations, deliver food packs and to work at the Pantry and distribution centers.

Contributed by Quadir Latifi.

The major sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, kidneys and liver. Vitamin C is readily oxidized and is lost during cooking. There are also many dietary supplements containing vitamin C.

A safe upper limit for vitamin C has not been established. However, doses greater than 1000 milligrams per day may affect the gastrointestinal system. There is little chance of taking too much vitamin C from food alone.

Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include fatigue, weakness, aching muscles and joints, anemia, bleeding gums and delayed wound healing.

Too much vitamin C can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but requires taking high doses of vitamin C over a short time period. It has also been claimed vitamin C may contribute to renal stones.

There are some claims that vitamin C protects against the common cold and others suggest it has beneficial effects on cancer, vascular disease, diabetes, asthma and arthritis.

As always, it is best to eat a balanced diet and to exercise regularly. And if you suspect a health problem, consult with a physician.

This information was extracted from the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals at www.foodstandards.gov.uk.