Germany helps WFP scale up support to most vulnerable families in Palestine

This contribution from the German Federal Foreign Office will enable WFP to continue providing uninterrupted food assistance to 270,000 food-insecure, non-refugees in Gaza (220,000 people) and the West Bank (50,000 people) through electronic vouchers. They can use the vouchers to buy food items of their choice, including fresh dairy produce, eggs and vegetables as well as cereals and pulses in any of 275 designated shops.

“For the second time this year, Germany has stepped in with a generous contribution to help us avoid suspension of essential food assistance to the most vulnerable Palestinian communities,” said WFP Representative and Country Director Stephen Kearney. “We appreciate the trust Germany has placed in WFP to make a difference in the lives of Palestinians who are having to cope with growing hardship.”

WFP assists non-refugee communities in Gaza and the West Bank who face high levels of unemployment and receive less than US$1 a day to cover basic housing, clothing and food needs. More than 25 percent of these families are headed by women with children whose burden is significantly alleviated by regular food voucher assistance.

“WFP is a key partner to Germany in the fight against hunger. Our contribution will ensure that the most vulnerable Palestinians are not left without aid," said Christian Clages, Head of the German Representative Office in Ramallah.                                           

Funding constraints are impeding WFP’s ability to extend assistance to all food-insecure, non-refugee families in need.

This year, WFP has provided food assistance to more than 350,000 of the poorest and most food-insecure people among the non-refugee populations of Gaza and the West Bank.

WFP has been expanding the use of electronic vouchers based on evidence showing their positive impact on people’s food security and on the local economy. Since 2011, WFP has injected more than US$240 million into the fragile Palestinian economy through food vouchers.

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The United Nations World Food Programme - saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development. WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters, and laying the foundations for a better future.

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