Bringing food, promise and hope to those who need it most
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Raising Funds and Awareness for Food Insecurity
100% proceeds donated to fight food insecurity
Insights|Read my Articles
​
A story of HOPE
Meet ZARA SYED
Photo Credit: Ira L. Black | 2022
As a high school student at Newark Academy, I embody the roles of Artist, Activist, Athlete, and Author. My passion for writing extends to articles addressing food insecurity, social justice, and other issues, which are prevalent in our society today. My work is inspired by my role models such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the USWNT trailblazers, who worked tirelessly to establish pay equity, my feverish love of animals and my fondness for nature. While I am not on the soccer field or penning articles, I find immense joy in creating art. My aspiration is to unite my artistic talent with my desire to return the endearment that I have received from my community. There is nothing more gratifying to me than bringing a smile to someone’s face! Fusing my love of art and my commitment to making a difference, I founded Good Intentions in 2020 — an initiative aimed at providing food, promise and hope to those most in need.
​
​
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
-Mother Teresa
BACK STORY
(2020) Looking around me, I recognize and am grateful for every moment of my life. I am constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to have a home, a supply of food, and most importantly, a supportive family. As I bathe in a cornucopia of lavish assets, I cannot forget there are many people who don't have the privilege of living the life that I live. Since the onset of COVID-19, people who may have been struggling have problems amplified due to financial loss. They are unfairly deprived of their right to smile. Through creativity and love, I hope I can spread those smiles again.
​
On a cloudy evening in 2020, just an average day after a tiring soccer practice, I sat down on the couch in our living room, determined to find a way to contribute to the community that had granted me so much. I pondered deeply until I realized the answer had always been right in my heart for so long. The Interfaith Food Pantry that I passed every week for the past six years every time I attended soccer practice was the perfect place. I eagerly asked Senora Beer, my world languages teacher and lead community service representative, at my school if I could volunteer. Unfortunately, there was an age limit, but she told me that I could use my talent to create and sell handcrafted cards and donate the money directly to the food bank.
Card designs | 2020
Yes, this was a brilliant idea! (Handmade cards I had intended to make for our school fundraiser last year before the pandemic hit). With approval and support of Senora Beer, I knew in both my heart and my head that no matter the obstacles I faced, I was gradually going to make small changes in a massive world. My first foray of victory was at a faculty meeting at school in January 2021. All the cards I created were sold for a total of $100 , and this was my first successful donation to the Interfaith Food Pantry. This small receipt was an acknowledgement of my success. It didn't hold too many words, but all the encouragement I could get. I knew from that day on, I could make an impact in this world card by card, smile by smile.
Together We Can Make a Difference!