Feeding the Needy in Yuba City

Yuba City, California, December 4th; Yuba Sutter Sikh Community members feed about 100 needy fellow human beings on December 4th, 2010 at Lynn Way, this after noon. About 200 sandwiches and soft drinks were served, Despite rain large numbers of volunteers and needy people showed up at this event.

The Sikh community organized this meal to celebrate Gurpurab (Day of Guru) of first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The meal is being called “Langar(Food for Needy)”. Langar is a 500 year old tradition that was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, when he used 20 rupees given to him by his father for business, but he used 20 rupees to feed hungry Pilgrims passing through his town. Ever since then feeding the hungry has been a tradition in the Sikh community, which is practiced in the form of a community kitchen.

November was also designated as Sikh appreciation and awareness month by California Legislature with the passing of Resolution ACR 181. Organizers of “Food for Needy” feel that while legislature has done its part, now it is their turn to do something to raise awareness as well. “Sikhs believe in praying for the welfare of mankind, earning honest living and sharing with others.

This event was organized in partnership Pastor Ron Brasier of A Hand Up Ministries and River Bottom Church. Community organizers are pleased by this partnership with members of other faiths with Sikhs to help the needy. They wanted this to be more than just a meal serving event and but use it as an opportunity to engage with other communities.

Sikhs have been living in northern California for over 100 years now. At first they established themselves as farmers in Sutter County and more recently as entrepreneurs, transporters, engineers and doctors. Several members who have excelled in these fields will be taking part in serving the meals. They look at it as an opportunity to give back to community they have adopted.

For more information please contact Jasjit Singh Kang 530-218-1108, Harjeet Singh 530-218-7614