ISLAMICRELIEF USA

QURBANI MEATDISTRIBUTION

Islamic Relief USA Partner Manual

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.”

(Qur’an 22:37)

Table of Contents

A GUIDE TO HELPING NEIGHBORS IN NEED.............................................................................. 3

ABOUT IRUSA..................................................................................................................................................4

OUR MISSION..................................................................................................................................................5

ABOUT QURBANI MEAT DISTRIBUTION......................................................................................... 6

SCOPE................................................................................................................................................................. 6

QURBANI IMPLEMENTATION CHART................................................................................................7

BEFORE DISTRIBUTION............................................................................................................................8

DURING DISTRIBUTION..........................................................................................................................11

COMMUNICATIONS AND VISIBILITY................................................................................................12

AFTER DISTRIBUTION.............................................................................................................................13

ANNEX 1: POVERTY GUIDELINES.....................................................................................................14

ANNEX 2: INITIAL REPORT...................................................................................................................15

ANNEX 3: BENEFICIARY SURVEY.....................................................................................................17

ANNEX 4: GENERAL MEDIA RELEASE...........................................................................................18

ANNEX 5: QURBANI BENEFICIARY LIST FORM.......................................................................19

ANNEX 6: FINAL REPORT.....................................................................................................................20

This manual was adapted from IRW Seasonal Programs Manual; the WFP Food Quality Control Manual; SPHERE Core Standards

A GUIDE TO HELPING NEIGHBORS IN NEED

This manual is intended to help IRUSA partners plan and run a successful Qurbani meat distribution. It includes information about logistical coordination, connecting with partners,

promoting the project with the media and public and effectively managing volunteers.

Additional information and support is available by contacting IRUSA US Programs department at (703)370-7202

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ABOUT IRUSA

Islamic Relief USA™ (IRUSA™) was founded in California in 1993 as a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt charity involved in international humanitarian relief efforts. IRUSA is a legally separate and independent member of a global family of collaborating relief organizations that share a common vision, mission, and family identity, and all of which use the term “Islamic Relief” as part of their organizational name.

The Islamic Relief family organizations have been engaged in relief and development projects for more than a quarter of a century and can now be found in more than 36 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

IRUSA provides emergency disaster relief when it is needed, and spearheads development projects in multiple sectors, including education, income generation, orphan support, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation. IRUSA directly supports international projects in these sectors in nearly 30 countries around the world.

IRUSA is headquartered just outside of Washington, DC, in Alexandria, VA, and maintains six regional offices in California, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas.

In addition to its international relief and development initiatives, IRUSA supports projects to help disadvantaged communities within United States. Some of IRUSA’s domestic projects have included:

• Disaster response and preparedness• Food pantries• Zakat programs (temporary financial assistance programs for basic needs) • Healthcare in underserved areas• Ramadan food distribution program• Qurbani meat distribution program• Summer School Feeding program (in partnership with USDA)• Financial literacy and matched savings programs• Refugee assistance programs• Martin Luther King day of action• Annual ‘Day of Dignity’ program (which engages local community social service providers and their partners in providing food, medical care, and other services to thousands of homeless and underserved people across the country.)

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OUR MISSIONIslamic Relief USA provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world.

ABOUT QURBANI MEAT DISTRIBUTION

Qurbani is a rite associated with the Hajj pilgrimage that takes place on Eid Ul Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice), at the conclusion of the Hajj, when the pilgrims sacrifice an animal – traditionally a sheep, goat, cow or camel. Sacrificing an animal is a ritual undertaken by Muslims around the world on the Tenth Day of the month of Dul-Hijah, in solidarity with those pilgrims who are performing Hajj for whom it is a specific obligation as a culminating part of the Pilgrimage. The sacrifice commemorates the slaughter by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) of a ram as a divine dispensation in place of the initial order by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail. The meat of the animal slaughtered is partly consumed by the family undertaking the ritual and the rest is donated to the poor. The meat is apportioned in shares according to the following: there are seven shares in one cow or one camel; each cow or camel is equal to seven sheep or goats. Only those Muslims who can afford to perform Qurbani are obligated to do so. Muslims who cannot afford to perform Qurbani have no obligation in this regard.

Islamic Relief has designed its Qurbani Project to enable those who can afford to offer the sacrifice but prefer it to benefit the poor, to donate their Qurbani to the poor and needy. The Qurbani Project can be performed in the first four days after the Tenth Day of the month of Dul-Hijah. However, its performance is not restricted to those four days only, but can be extended to twenty days after the Tenth Day of the month of Dul-Hijah. This is permitted if the quantity of Qurbani meat allocated to an area is huge and cannot be dealt with over the four-day period.

The Qurbani Project provides an opportunity for those people who cannot afford to purchase meat products to receive the nutritional benefit of an Islamic Relief Qurbani Meat Parcel. The project involves the distribution of fresh meat parcels to the most vulnerable people - women, children, the elderly, disabled, widows and refugees. Each meat parcel distributed should contain a sufficient amount of for a family of five for at least one week. See the next section for guidelines on how much meat to distribute per family size. Each meat parcel should be designed to consist of fresh meat that is appropriate and acceptable for the dietary culture of the community.

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SCOPE

• The Qurbani meat distribution is intended for needy families for whom the meat parcels provide a valuable nutritional supplement.• The Qurbani meat distribution should be implemented in full and none of its allocated materials should remain undistributed or carried forward.• When possible, the Qurbani Project should be incorporated with existing food distribution or nutrition programs. • See below the Qurbani Gnatt Chart for an expected implementation timeline.

NOTE ON POTENTIAL FIELD DONORS:

Only IRUSA staff are permitted to work with potential field donors and accept donations at the field level. No Islamic Relief field partner or sub-partner is permitted to work with any potential field donor or accept donations from such entities. The partner is, however, encouraged to inform potential donors of all aspects of the Qurbani food distribution project and refer proposed donations to IRUSA.

IR Partner completes the needs assessment, market assessment and implementation plan.

The Qurbani initial report completed and submitted to IRUSA.

All pre-Qurbani implementation phases (including selection and allocation of beneficiaries, confirmation of distribution plan and method, visibility plan) completed by partners.

IRUSA delivers meat and promotional/event day materials to partners

Distribution of Qurbani meat parcels to selected beneficiaries

The Qurbani final data collection form completed and submitted to IRUSA*Data must be collected during the event and submitted within a week after the event.

IR Partner informs selected beneficiaries of the location and time of their distribution and the quantity of meat they will receive

Activities Description

Twomonthsbefore

Eid

Onemonthsbefore

Eid

One week before

distribution

Duringdistribution

Within 14-20 days following Eid

1

2

3

4

5

6

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QURBANI IMPLEMENTATION CHART

BEFORE DISTRIBUTION

An initial report must be completed and submitted to IRUSA’s US Programs department. A template for this report is included in Annex 2 of this document.

GETTING STARTED

Like any direct service project, the Qurbani meat distribution must start with consulting the population you intend to serve. It is vital that you consider who you are serving before planning the event. Consider the following:

1. The geographical location of the intended Qurbani distribution. IRUSA’s partners should carry out a needs assessment of the proposed community they wish to benefit, taking into consideration possible stakeholders and general economic and social circumstances. The assessment should enable partners to make more precise decisions regarding the implementation of the distribution.2. Identify beneficiaries and draw up beneficiary lists.3. Identify and arrange local support that will be needed for distribution, including local partners, venue, security arrangements etc.4. Coordinate the Qurbani meat distribution with local authorities and with other NGOs working in the area in order to avoid duplication and ensure maximum impact.

BENEFICIARY SELECTION

It is the policy of Islamic Relief USA that the selected beneficiaries of the Qurbani project are made eligible based on need. IRUSA suggests that organizations inform selected beneficiaries of the location and time of their distribution and the quantity of meat they will receive at least one week before the planned distribution.

When selecting beneficiaries for the distribution priority should be given to:

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Qurbani Beneficiary Selection Criteria

Total Score(add up all the points each family /individual is given)

If a family/individual is living below the poverty line*… (see Poverty Guidelines in Annex 1)

If a family is a single parent household…

Give 20 Points

Give 10 Points

Give 10 Points

Give 10 Points

Give 5 Points

Give 5 Points

If there are disabled and/or elderly persons in the household…

If the household has little or no access to the food markets …

If the household has pregnant and/or nursing women

If the household has children…

Score

/60

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QURBANI MEAT ALLOCATIONQurbani meat parcels should be allocated as follows:

SITE SELECTION

The dignity, humanity and security of the beneficiaries should be safeguarded throughout the distribution process. Qurbani meat distributions should take place at a location that is convenient (easily accessible) to the target population.

Space Considerations: • Large enough to accommodate the number of individuals you expect to serve • Secure area to distribute meat parcels • Appropriate facilities to store frozen meat safely • Sheltered space in the event of harsh weather or rain

IMPORTANT: Please determine the insurance needs of the venue as early as possible so we can assist you if you are unable to fulfill them yourself.

Family Size

1-4

5-9

10+

5 lbs

10 lbs

15 lbs

Amount of Meat (in pounds)

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STORING AND HANDLING MEAT PARCELS

The partner is expected to keep record of all invoices and documentation pertaining to the project, including documentation of meat parcels received from IRUSA.

Upon receiving the shipment from IRUSA, divide the meat into smaller parcels in accordance with the beneficiary list and allocations.

IRUSA is committed to protecting the health of beneficiaries and satisfying beneficiaries’ expectations and governmental regulations in the distribution of meat parcels. Partners must ensure the cold chain is maintained during the distribution process to prevent foodborne illnesses. Please take into consideration the following guidelines:

• Storage: Use a free-standing freezer set at 0°F or below to store the frozen meat parcels. Uncooked, frozen meat can maintain its good quality in the freezer for up to one year. • In transit: Vehicles used to transport food must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to protect food from contamination. A vehicle used for transporting refuse or garbage may not be used for transporting food. Appropriate cold holding equipment must be provided to maintain temperatures of the frozen meat parcels during transportation at 0°F or below. If food temperatures cannot be maintained then mechanical refrigeration is required.• Handling contaminated parcels: In the case of potential food safety risks resulting from damaged meat parcels, dispose of the parcels and report the following to IRUSA US Programs staff as soon as possible:

o Number of meat parcels and beneficiaries affectedo Description of damage or issueso When was the parcel delivered, and by whom?o Was the parcel already delivered to the beneficiary?o If possible, give your views on the probable cause of damage/issueo If possible, give your views on the probable stage at which the damage occurred in the food supply chain.

DURING DISTRIBUTION

The suggested implementation steps involved in this phase are as follows:

1. Ensure all beneficiaries sign the beneficiary list form to acknowledge receipt of the meat parcel (see Annex 6)2. Produce the necessary media material such as photos, videos, and case studies for reporting as per IRUSA requirements.3. If possible, try to incorporate the Qurbani distribution into any ongoing Islamic Relief funded development/rehabilitation/emergency programs in the area.

MANAGING VOLUNTEERS Prior to the start time of the event, key volunteers should already be in designated stations. Among the most important stations is the volunteer registration and reception table. This table should be used to:

• Sign in and register volunteers.• Sign relevant forms and photo-release waivers.• Assign volunteers to their tasks• Provide volunteers with an IRUSA t-shirt and name tag if available.

REGIONAL SUPPORT

IRUSA has regional offices in Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Florida, California (2), and Northern Virginia. The volunteer network and staff that are in the vicinity of a Qurbani meat distribution event may be drawn upon for support on the day distribution. For information on how to contact your local IRUSA office please ask IRUSA US programs staff. IRUSA staff may also attend each distribution to document the event and offer any support that may be needed.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND VISIBILITY

VISIBILTY AND MATERIALS

IRUSA requires efficient media feedback consisting of photos displaying IR logos and partners’ logos, banners, beneficiary profiles, videos, if possible, and articles.

Any photo, video, audio or written materials, collected by the implementing partner at a Qurbani meat distribution, MUST be sent to Islamic Relief USA unedited and raw with the final report, no later than four weeks after the Qurbani meat distribution.

MEDIA TOOLS

IRUSA’s Public Relations staff will provide press releases for each event. The local coordinators can reach out to IRUSA’s PR team to inform them regarding local issues and how IRUSA should approach framing the press release. IRUSA’s public affairs team can also be reached if the local host organization wishes to reach out formally to local elected officials. The IRUSA public affairs team can provide template letters and a clear framework for sharing information about the Qurbani meat distribution and requesting the attendance of local officials.

Promotional and event day materials created (such as flyers) MUST come from IRUSA. Any materials not created by IRUSA for the Qurbani meat distributions must be sent for review and approval by IRUSA’s marketing team before public release.

Any needed promotional and event day materials should be requested from IRUSA in the initial report.

Promotional items may include:

• Postcards• Posters• Brochures• Online Video • IRUSA.org event page• IRUSA Qurbani YouTube video

Event day items may include:

• Aprons • Banners• Plastic Bags• Table Cloths• T-Shirts

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DAY OF EVENT BRANDING REQUIREMENTS:

• Proper Islamic Relief USA branding should be present at Qurbani distribution locations • Islamic Relief USA banners and pull up banners should be in clear, unobstructed display at the Qurbani distribution event • Islamic Relief plastic bags should be used where possible • Staff and all registered volunteers are wearing IRUSA t shirts • Food handlers should wear aprons provided to them by Islamic Relief USA • Table cloths should be used on registration tables and other tables in clear display and in neat, clear fashion

MEDIA AND BENEFICIARIES

Every beneficiary that is photographed must sign the Media Release form (see Annex 5). Media staff at the distribution should always be considerate, taking into account factors such as creativity, effectiveness, usability, beneficiary dignity and political sensitivity. Beneficiary photos and profiles should be produced in such a way that they are reflective of the actual situation of the beneficiaries as well as reflective of the Qurbani distribution and its impact on beneficiaries. Where possible, notes should accompany photos, providing information about names, location, and dates. High resolution, digital material is preferred.

AFTER DISTRIBUTION

A final report must be submitted to IRUSA within 1 week of your distribution. Please include in the final report:

1- A summary of project implementation. See data fields to be included in the report in Annex 3.

2- Completed beneficiary questionnaires. See template in Annex 4. This provides us with feedback for future distributions.

3- Photos, videos, and case studies collected during distribution.

CLOSE-OUT WITH VOLUNTEERS AND PARTNERS

After your distribution is complete, it is important to debrief and closeout with the volunteers. This is an opportunity to put the event in full context after having engaged with beneficiaries, volunteers, partners and community members. The coordinator and other partners can share some insight to help volunteers have a clear sense of what they accomplished. Volunteers can provide valuable information on the challenges and successes of the day to inform future events. This is the time to pass out surveys to volunteers and partners. Additionally this is a time to share a gift with those who volunteered; a small optional token of appreciation of your organization’s choosing.

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Annex 1: Poverty Guidelines

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,160 for each additional person.

Poverty guidelines are updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2)

Size of family unit

1

2

4

6

3

5

7

8

Poverty Guidleine

$11,880

$20,160

$28,440

$38,730

$16,020

$24,300

$32,580

$40,890

2016 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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Annex 2: Initial Report

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL FIELDS BELOW IN THE INITIAL REPORT

Basic Information

Organization name:

Distribution location (neighborhood, city, state):

Planned distribution date:

Names of other CBOs / NGOs expected to be involved:

Program Manager information (Name, title, tel. no, email address):

Community Profile

How many Qurbani meat parcels are you expecting to distribute?

How many beneficiaries are you expecting to serve during the Qurbani distribution?

Where will your distribution take place and why did you choose this location?

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Describe your organization’s criteria for beneficiary selection and a detailed description of beneficiary type (i.e. homeless population, refugees, low income families and individuals etc.):

Suggested type meat to be distributed (based on community needs):

If canned or processed meat is preferred, give reasons:

Distribution Plan

Describe the location where the food parcels will be distributed. Include information about availability of freezers and refrigeration, availability of storage space, loading docks for delivery, etc.):

Will the project be coordinated with other agencies in the area? If yes, explain how.

Will local authorities be consulted? If so what has been their feedback?

How will your organization ensure the meat parcels are fairly and safely distributed?

List any consideration of security issues pertaining to distribution and how you will address these issues:

Describe your organization’s media capacity (cameras, video cameras, media trained staff or volunteers etc.):

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Annex 3: Beneficiary Survey

QURBANI MEAT DISTRIBUTION BENEFICIARY SURVEY

CITY (WHERE DISTRIBUTION IS HAPPENING): DATE:

1. How many people are in your household?

2. How many days do you expect this meat package to last your family?

3. How often do you or your family eat meat?

4. Is the meat packed in a manner that allows for easy transportation and storage?

Yes No

5. Were you informed about the meat distribution ahead of time?

Was it enough time?

Yes No

6. How long did you wait in line to receive your meat package today?

7. How can we improve the meat distribution in the future?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your feedback is a valuable resource that helps us improve our programming.

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Annex 4: General Media Release

GENERAL MEDIA RELEASEISLAMIC RELIEF USA

Partner Name:

Date: ___ /___ / ___

1) I, the undersigned, hereby authorize Islamic Relief USA and its field partners to photograph me, take motion pictures of me, take video footage of me, and/or make electronic sound recordings of me (herein referred to as photographic or electronic reproductions)2) I authorize the use of any such photographic or electronic reproductions of me for any purpose, including, but not limited to educational and other public media as may be deemed appropriate by Islamic Relief USA. I understand that I may be identifiable from such photographic or electronic reproduction.

Agreed and accepted by:

Print Name ________________________________________________________

Signature and Date ___________________________________ ___ / ___ / ___

Parental Consent

I certify that I am the parent or guardian of the individual above, ________________, a minor under the age of eighteen years. I hereby agree to assume legal responsibility for his/her authorization referred to in this General Media Release.

Signature of Applicant’s Parent/Guardian _________________________________

Date ___ / ___ / ___

Annex 5: Qurbani Beneficiary List Form

Name ofBeneficiary

Zip Code Number of family membersName of proxy (only applies if someone else is picking up food parcel on behalf of beneficiary)

Number of Qurbani meat parcels allocated

Beneficiary signature

1

9

2

10

4

6

3

5

7

8

Name of organization distributing meat parcels Name and title(s) of person in charge of distribution

Adult Children

FemaleFemale MaleMale

*Please print as many copies of this form as needed to register and track your beneficiaries. This form must be fully completed and submitted to IRUSA with your final report.

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Basic Information

Organization name:

Distribution location (neighborhood, city, state):

Distribution date:

Total # Qurbani meat parcels received from IRUSA:

Total # Qurbani meat parcels distributed:

Were any of the Qurbani meat parcels you received damaged? If yes, list how many and describe the damage:

Total individual beneficiaries served: This should have been documented in the Qurbani Distribution list form (Annex 6).

Annex 6: Final Report

FINAL DATA COLLECTION

Please include all fields below in final report. Attach beneficiary feedback surveys and any visibility and communications materials collected during the food parcel distribution.

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Distribution Information

Describe your beneficiary selection process. Please include any lessons learned, challenges, or unexpected outcomes.

If your target market community or beneficiary population changed form those in the initial report, explain why. How were new areas selected?

Please share your feedback about the contents of the Qurbani meat parcels.

Was the Qurbani distribution integrated into ongoing food distributions or nutrition programs (Yes or No)? If yes please name the program into which the Qurbani distribution was integrated.

Discuss how the Qurbani distribution helped meet the dietary needs of beneficiaries. Please include one or two case studies.

Does your organization have suggestions for additional needed projects relating to food securi-ty in these communities?

Discuss any challenges you encountered during the distribution planning and distribution.

Discuss any lessons learned.

Do you have any recommendations for next year’s Qurbani distribution?

Any additional comments:

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P.O. Box 22250, Alexandria, VA 22304 TELEPHONE: 1.855.447.1001 EMAIL: info@irusa.org | A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID# 95-4453134)

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