At the onset of the Syrian crisis, WFP operated under an Immediate Emergency Response intervention to deliver urgently needed food assistance to Syrians living in transit centres in Jordan. In July 2012, WFP began assisting Syrian refugees in Jordan as part of a regional operation that is also targeting Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. WFP plans to assist 260,000 refugees in Jordan by June 2013.
WFP is providing its assistance through various modalities:
Hot Meals: In April last year, 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 assisted more than 31,500 beneficiaries with two meals daily in the Ramtha transit centres and the Zaatari camp.
Dry Rations: In mid-October 2012, WFP started the distribution of dry rations and bread in Zaatari camp as kitchen facilities became available. The WFP two-week ration consists of: bulgur wheat, lentils, rice, sugar, salt and vegetable oil. In addition, WFP distributes welcome packages to all new arrivals at Zaatari camp.
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 and King Abdullah Park transit centres initially distributing food vouchers to a total of 19,000 beneficiaries during September 2012. WFP is scaling up its voucher assistance to reach 250,000 by June 2013. 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 included in conventional food rations. This assistance modality gives beneficiaries the freedom to choose the food they prefer and need and buy it at local stores at their convenience as well as gives a boost to local economy. In Zaatari camp, WFP plans to phase out direct food assistance replacing it with vouchers by June 2013.