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A woman residing in West Philadelphia has devised a solution to help Muslim American families in the local region access reasonably priced halal meals at grocery stores.
Lavaughn Jones, who embraced Islam in her twenties, encountered difficulties in finding convenient meals that adhered to her children’s religious beliefs while also embracing their American heritage.
Jones expressed her intention to create simple and delectable halal meals specifically tailored to single parents and busy mothers. She aimed to challenge misconceptions by highlighting the fact that millions of Muslim Americans are born in the United States, refuting the notion that Muslims are solely foreigners.
Danieltta Pantoe, Jones’s business partner and close friend, pointed out that only a mere 5% of frozen meal options available in stores are halal. Pantoe explained that halal refers to the permissible method of slaughtering animals.
Jones’s halal meals cater to the increasing number of Muslim American families seeking home-cooked style meals while observing their religious dietary requirements.
Through her participation in a ShopRite business incubator program, Jones successfully launched Aruba’s Halal Kitchen meals in April, which can now be found in the frozen food section of ten grocery stores.
When asked what she wanted people to know when they came across her meals in the frozen food aisle, Jones expressed her desire for them to realize that her creations are made with love.
Furthermore, Jones was determined to ensure that her halal meals remain affordable for working-class Muslim families. She emphasized the importance of being able to purchase these meals using government assistance programs, such as food stamps, as she had personally experienced the struggle and knew that other parents faced similar challenges. In essence, she aimed to provide a solution that acknowledges and addresses the needs of these families.
