Foundation of Indian Americans-New England makes generous donation to food pantry

The Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) – New England donated a large quantity of non-perishable food items to the Newton Food Pantry in Massachusettes, this October 26, 2025.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and children lead ribbon-cutting ceremony for Newton Food Pantry, October 26, 2025. ALL PHOTOS: FIA-New England

The donation event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, who praised FIA New England and the Indian-American community for their dedication to supporting local families and addressing food insecurity — especially during the ongoing government shutdown, when many were concerned about SNAP program funding.

Representing the Newton Food Pantry, Sean (no last name given) from the pantry administration accepted the donation and emphasized its significant impact on local residents in need, the press release from FIA-NE said.

The ceremony was also attended by several special guests and community leaders, including UIANE Past President Dr. Neela Gandhi, UIANE President Aanch Jain, Dr. Chander Kapasi, Businessman Vijay Salhi, FIA Board of Directors Member Jyoti Singh, Saheli Vice President Aditi Soni, Rakesh Soni, Ravi and Sudha Sarin, Jitendra Sharma, Dolly, and Anita Khetarpal.

Food donations collected for the Newton Food Pantry by the Indian American Foundation-New England.

“Their presence underscored the spirit of unity and collaboration that thrives within the Indian-American community,” FIA-NE said in the press release.

The FIA-NE executive which made this initiative possible includes FIA Vice Presidents Rakesh & Deepti Kavsari, Amol Penshanwar, Santosh Thawani, Hiten Bhawsar, Mohan Krishna Sonti, Devesh Singh Raghwanshi, and Rakesh Soni, who played vital roles in organizing, collecting, and delivering the donations.

The food drive was organized in conjunction with UIANE’s Diwali Celebration.

“We are immensely proud of our volunteers and supporters,” said FIA President Abhishek Singh. “Their selfless dedication — spending weekdays and weekends collecting, loading, and delivering food — truly reflects the spirit of service and compassion that defines our community.”

Singh also thanked all donors and well-wishers for their generosity.

The organization said it will continue its community outreach efforts and those wishing to support it can do so via Zelle or Venmo at 612-877-2703.