As reported by Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
(IRVINE, CA — April 4, 2026)–The Dawoodi Bohras, a global Muslim community known for its commitment to service, sustainability, and civic engagement, joined Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County (SHFB) as a Corporate Impact Partner, along with hands-on volunteerism to expand access to nutritious food for community members facing food insecurity across Orange County.
As part of this new partnership, members of the Dawoodi Bohras volunteered at Second Harvest’s Distribution Center on April 4, 2026, supporting food sorting and packing efforts. A total of 22,079 pounds of food was processed that will be directly benefit local families, seniors, and working individuals.
“The leader of the global Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, teaches us that serving others and uplifting those in need – including tackling food insecurity – are key tenets of our faith,” said Yusuf Zakir, Community Outreach Lead for the Dawoodi Bohras of Orange County and Inland Empire. “Partnering with Second Harvest allows us to translate our values into meaningful local impact— ensuring that community members have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.”
Through Project Rise, a Dawoodi Bohra initiative, the community focuses on social responsibility, including initiatives centered on food security, environmental sustainability, and reducing food waste. Their partnership with Second Harvest reflects a shared belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and action.
“Strategic partnerships like this are essential to advancing our mission,” said Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “We are grateful to the Dawoodi Bohra community and Project Rise for their generosity and their willingness to roll up their sleeves alongside us. Their support helps ensure that more community members across Orange County have consistent access to nutritious food.”
Corporate Impact Partners play a critical role in helping Second Harvest respond to rising need across the region. With food insecurity continuing to affect hundreds of thousands of individuals each month, partnerships that combine financial investment with volunteer engagement are key to scaling impact.
Through this collaboration, the Dawoodi Bohras not only contributed resources, but also strengthened community connections—demonstrating how purpose-driven partnerships can drive meaningful, lasting change.
