PARSIPPANY — A volunteer initiative that began in Parsippany in early 2020 has grown into one of the region’s most active community-driven humanitarian movements, with I Love Sai delivering nearly 30,000 meals and food provisions to individuals and families facing food insecurity since January 2026 alone.
The milestone builds on the organization’s cumulative total of more than 500,000 meals distributed since its founding on February 15, 2020. I Love Sai is entirely volunteer-operated, working alongside local food pantries, shelters, and nonprofit partners to supply staple foods such as rice, lentils, chickpeas, and other grocery essentials to families bridging the gap between assistance programs and everyday needs.
“Our mission is simple,” the organization said. “Every meal distributed represents hope, dignity, and compassion. We believe meaningful change begins when communities come together to serve one another.”
Beyond food assistance, volunteers organize seasonal outreach efforts that include hygiene kits, blankets, fresh produce, and other necessities for vulnerable residents. As inflation and rising living costs continue to strain household budgets, demand for these services has grown.
I Love Sai’s volunteer base includes individuals, families, students, professionals, and retirees who contribute thousands of hours each year preparing food packages, organizing donation drives, and supporting community outreach. The organization, inspired by the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba and the message of “Sabka Malik Ek” (One God Governs All), welcomes volunteers of all faiths and backgrounds.
The group is also investing in long-term infrastructure, including a 134-year-old historic facility in Carpentersville, Illinois, now open to the public and being developed into a Midwest volunteer and food-distribution hub. Fundraising is underway to complete a commercial kitchen that would expand meal preparation capacity across multiple states. I Love Sai’s model has expanded beyond New Jersey, with volunteer chapters now active in California, Illinois, Nevada, Georgia, the United Kingdom, and India.
The organization’s next major public event, the Guru Purnima Mela 2026, is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, at Veterans Memorial Park in Parsippany. The family-friendly celebration will include a traditional chariot procession honoring Shirdi Sai Baba, multicultural performances, devotional music, community exhibits, food vendors, children’s activities, and information on local volunteer programs.
“What started with a handful of volunteers has become a growing family committed to serving humanity,” the organization said. “Every volunteer, every donor, and every act of kindness helps create lasting change in someone’s life.”
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more can visit I Love Sai after 7:00 p.m. at 364 Parsippany Road, Unit 8B, Parsippany, NJ 07054, call (973) 265-8388, or follow I Love Sai New Jersey on Facebook.
