WFP expands and extends its Subsidized Bread Programme across Syria

“Food security is one of the foundations of social cohesion, peace and stability and bread remains a vital lifeline for Syrian families. It is crucial that we continue to ensure bread remains on the table for families across the country,” said Marianne Ward, WFP Syria Country Director and Representative. “Expanding and extending this programme now is essential to maintain social cohesion and prevent Syria from spiraling into a broader crisis.”

The Subsidized Bread Programme is a government-led initiative aimed at increasing access to fortified bread at affordable prices in the most food-insecure areas ofSyria. Under this programme, WFP procures and supplies fortified wheat flour through its operational platforms, while ensuring compliance with humanitarian standards, accountability mechanisms, and monitoring requirements. This support allows bakeries to sell bread at a subsidized price of approximately 2,500 SYP per bundle.

Due to limited resources, the programme targets areas with the highest vulnerability based on food security assessments. Since its launch in June 2025, WFP has supported more than 100 public and private bakeries in nine governorates, providing daily fortified bread to approximately 2 million people, including displaced families and returnees. Thanks to the new US contribution, WFP will be able to scale up this intervention to reach more than 4 million people across Syria through March 2026.

“In Syria, bread is much more than just food - it is a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and hope,” said Ward. “WFP is deeply grateful to the United States government for this support. Together with the Ministry of Economy and Industry, we are strengthening food security and social cohesion for vulnerable families after years of economic hardship. This partnership invests in dignity, resilience, and recovery for the people of Syria.”

Beyond the subsidized bread programme, WFP continues to assist food-insecure households through emergency food and cash assistance, livelihoods support, school feeding, and nutrition programmes. Collectively, these interventions reached more than 6.8 million people across Syria in 2025, with assistance prioritized for families facing the most severe food insecurity.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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