Exploring the Availability and Accessibility of Halal Food Aid in New York City: A Multimethod Study

This study examined the availability of and barriers to procuring halal foods in food pantries and soup kitchens in New York City (NYC), focusing on regions with high concentrations of Muslim immigrant communities. The study aimed to identify gaps in access to culturally appropriate food assistance to inform programmatic and policy responses.

We conducted a multimethod study consisting of (1) a cross-sectional telephone survey of food pantries and soup kitchens across NYC and (2) semistructured interviews with staff providing food assistance support at a local community-based organization. We used descriptive statistics and chi-square (Test of homogeneity) tests to compare pantry characteristics and analyzed interview transcripts using inductive thematic analysis.

A total of 70 pantries completed the survey: 38% offered halal food, with no significant difference across regions with low or high density of Muslim communities, and less than a third had staff who spoke the primary languages of NYC's Muslim communities. Key barriers included high cost and the sourcing of halal food. Qualitative findings highlighted mistrust in the authenticity of halal labeling in pantries, the limited culturally relevance of pantry foods, and the inadequacy of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to meet families' needs.

Halal and culturally relevant food options remain limited across NYC's emergency food landscape. Addressing food insecurity among immigrant families with low income required multilevel strategies, including culturally tailored procurement, partnerships with halal-certified vendors, and increased federal benefits, to promote equitable and sustained food access.