At the onset of the Syrian crisis, WFP operated from April under an Immediate Response EMOP, funded by Japan, which allowed WFP to deliver food assistance to Syrians living in the transit centres. WFP then launched a regional response in July covering Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
The response and the number of people assisted increases each month. While WFP reached about 48,000 beneficiaries in September, this had increased to some 62,000 people in October. WFP is planning to assist 100,000 refugees by the end of the year. Assistance has been provided through various modalities:
Hot Meals: In April, WFP provided an average of 750 hot meals per day to Syrian refugees in Jordan. Following the dramatic influx of refugees during July, August and September, WFP provided more than 62,000 hot meals daily by the end of September in Ramtha transit centres and the Al Zaatari camp, reaching about 31,500 beneficiaries with two meals a day.
Dry Rations: WFP started distribution of dry rations and bread on 16 October as kitchen facilities became available. The WFP two-week ration consists of: bulgur wheat, lentils, rice, sugar, salt and vegetable oil. During October WFP assisted 20,000 beneficiaries with dry rations through its implementing partner Save the Children. Dry rations are distributed every 2 weeks whilst bread is distributed daily. In addition, WFP continues to distribute welcome packages to all new arrivals at Al Zaatari camp. WFP has constructed a dedicated food distribution facility in the camp for regular gender-segregated distributions of dry food every two weeks. Amenities such as sitting areas, water and shade are provided at the distributions sections while processing their information.
Voucher programme: Through its partners Save the Children, Islamic Relief Worldwide and the Human Relief Foundation, WFP is providing voucher assistance to refugees living in local communities and in Cyber City transit centre. WFP initially distributed food vouchers to a total of 19,000 beneficiaries during September and scaled up to 48,000 beneficiaries by November. The food vouchers can be redeemed against a list of items including fresh produce such as dairy products, meat, chicken, fish, fruit and vegetables, which are not normally included in food rations. This assistance modality gives beneficiaries the freedom to choose the commodities they want and need as and when they wish as well as help boost local economy. WFP plans to expand the voucher assistance to Al Zaatari camp by the end of the year.