KUWAIT: As the Maghrib prayer approaches during Ramadan, a familiar scene unfolds on the streets of Kuwait. People step out of their cars at different locations across the city, each carrying boxes packed with free iftar meals. As these vehicles arrive, a crowd of random strangers eagerly gathers around them, awaiting their share to break their daylong fast.
Among the many dedicated individuals behind these acts of kindness and generosity is Thamer Al-Dakheel, founder of the "Bo Rashed project” for iftar saem meals, now in its fifth consecutive year of service. The project’s activities extend beyond the streets of Kuwait, reaching those in need in their homes, mosques and various organizations, distributing nearly 60,000 meals each Ramadan.
Every day, in the heart of Industrial Ardiya, the central kitchen brings together around 100 individuals with diverse roles, including cooking, packaging and other tasks. They start working from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, striving to complete the designated meals on time. Each day brings a different main course, ranging from chicken machboos to meatballs to chicken biryani, all meticulously prepared.
Once prepared, these dishes are carefully packed into meal boxes, each including a minimum of half a chicken or 200 grams of meat, complemented by side items like fruit or oriental sweets, alongside essentials such as water, milk and dates. All meals are thoughtfully packaged in containers suitable for microwave heating. Following this, they are distributed by a diverse team of volunteers including Muslims, Christians, women and men alike.
Despite the challenges posed by rising supply costs attributed to the current conflicts, difficulties in importing chicken and scarcity of meat, the Bo Rashed project has remained committed to maintaining an affordable price. Each meal box is priced at just KD 1.5, ensuring accessibility to all. Individuals interested in purchasing these meal boxes can do so by booking through the number: 99120004. They can specify whether they intend to distribute the meals themselves or if they prefer the project to handle distribution on their behalf.
Dakheel recounted how the idea of the project began as a personal endeavor, stemming from his own experience of having a medical condition that prevented him from fasting. Thus, he was keen on feeding those who were in need instead. Over time, the initiative grew bigger, drawing support from his friends, family and network of connections who all wanted to contribute to this cause. Now, Bo Rashed’s initiative has partnered with one of the country’s leading catering companies, ensuring that the food meets the highest health quality standards.