JERSEY CITY , NJ (TIP): This Thanksgiving week, Let’s Share a Meal (LSM), a nonprofit organization led by the Sikh community, once again exemplified its mission of spreading love and compassion through the act of selfless service. With over 700 volunteers from New Jersey and beyond, Let’s Share Meals prepared and delivered fresh vegetarian meals to more than 10,000 individuals across 80 locations in five U.S. states, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, volunteers from all walks of life, including American citizens, came together to cook, package, and distribute meals at homeless shelters, senior citizen residences, and soup kitchens. This Thanksgiving initiative is just one example of the broader work LSM has been doing for the past 12 years, reaching millions across the United States and beyond.
Onkar Singh, one of the key organizers of the event, highlighted the spiritual inspiration behind this initiative: “Let’s Share a Meal was inspired by the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, who established the concept of Langar, or community kitchen. This tradition is built on the values of selfless service and equality — feeding the hungry without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, or background.”
Singh continued, emphasizing the importance of “Oneness” in Sikh teachings: “We are trying to teach our children the core values of our religion, which include peace, harmony, and Oneness. Oneness is not just for Sikhs, but for all of humanity. The world is one community, and nobody should be hungry or unequal. We are proud that over 700 volunteers, including many from the broader American community, have come together to support this cause.”
The Thanksgiving initiative represents a major milestone for Let’s Share a Meal, which has served over 1 million meals across the U.S. since its inception. According to Harleen Kaur, a long-time volunteer, “I have been part of this incredible effort for over 15 years, and I am so grateful to see how it has grown. Every year, more and more people — volunteers and donors alike — come together to make this possible.”
The meals prepared by the volunteers include a variety of fresh vegetarian dishes, and the organization’s drive has grown significantly in recent years. From serving just 1,500 meals in its first year, LSM now distributes more than 20,000 meals annually. The organization’s efforts continue to expand, with plans to reach even more people in need in the coming years.
LSM’s Reach Expands Beyond U.S. Borders
The success of the Thanksgiving meal drive has helped the organization extend its impact beyond the U.S. to countries like India, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where similar efforts are underway. The initiative’s expansion is a testament to the universal appeal of selfless service and the Sikh community’s commitment to spreading compassion worldwide.
“Our Langar serves as a beacon of hope and unity, emphasizing humanity and equality across all boundaries,” Singh added. “It is a reminder that we are all human beings, and we should treat each other with care and respect, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. This is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.”
Let’s Share a Meal is not only about feeding the hungry but about spreading the message of unity, equality, and compassion. Through their efforts, the Sikh community continues to leave an inspiring mark on the world, showing that when people come together with love and purpose, they can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
