FIA Chicago Begins 2026 on a Mission of Service, Packing Over 30,000 Meals for the Hungry

CHICAGO, IL -FIA: Federation of Indian Associations — a 501(c)(3) organization — is Chicago’s premier non-profit, uniting over 300,000 Asian Indians across the Midwest. FIA serves as a vital bridge between the local Indian-American community, the United States, and India. Led by Founder Chairman Mr. Sunil Shah, FIA remains dedicated to empowering, engaging, and connecting our vibrant culture.

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” The FIA team truly embodied these words by giving their absolute best at the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) facility in Schaumburg, Illinois.

What a powerful way to kick off the New Year!

Members of the FIA team, along with FIA Founder Chairman Mr. Sunil Shah and President Ms. Richa Chand, gathered at the FMSC facility with a singular goal: to turn compassion into action. The reality of global hunger is heartbreaking—every day, at least 6,200 children lose their lives to starvation. FMSC works tirelessly with its partners to reverse this trend, relying on donated meals and the dedication of volunteers to deliver food to children who need it most.

Answering this urgent call, nearly 100 FIA members brought incredible energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork to the facility. The atmosphere was truly electric as volunteers worked in rhythm—packing food, labeling packages, and managing logistics. FIA’s energetic youth volunteers took charge of heavy lifting in the warehouse, while senior volunteers focused on labeling and organization.

Although teams from three other organizations were present, FIA proudly stood out as the largest volunteer group. Together, the teams packed 162 boxes, resulting in 34,992 nutritious meals ready to be shipped to children in need. Hunger remains a global crisis, with data showing that over 821 million people—one in nine worldwide—do not have enough to eat.

The FIA team experienced a deeply heartwarming day combating these statistics. Each meal packet was filled not only with essential ingredients such as rice, soy, and vegetables, but also with hope, love, and care. Collectively, FIA’s efforts helped FMSC generate $10,147.68 worth of food.
The FIA leadership team received admiration for their exceptional support, including General Secretary Ms. Kamlesh Kapoor, Executive Vice President Ms. Ajanta Talukdar, VP of Membership Mr. Manoj Rathod, Ms. Hina Trivedi, Cultural Secretary Ms. Fal Rana, VP of Membership Mr. Smitesh Shah, Joint Secretary Mr. Dinesh Kapoor, and Treasurer Mr. Vaishal Talati, who also managed FIA banners and logistics.

By beginning its 2026 event calendar with service, FIA once again demonstrated its commitment to community upliftment. The energy at the FMSC Schaumburg facility was truly inspiring, spreading hope and empowerment in the fight against global hunger.

Following this successful service project, FIA—guided by its strong leadership—is now preparing for its next major milestone: FIA’s signature celebration of India’s 77th Republic Day, scheduled for January 22, 2026.