WFP Welcomes Contribution from the UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to Distribute 19 Million Meals in Gaza
The distribution of these meals will be in the form of instantly redeemable smart vouchers, which allow beneficiaries to shop at a network of contracted supermarkets. This ensures they receive essential food while also empowering them with the freedom of choice. Additionally, the vouchers will help boost cash flow into Gaza’s economy, supporting the resilience of local businesses amid ongoing hardships.
The support will primarily benefit displaced individuals, including 77,000 people seeking refuge in UN schools and headquarters, and another 40,000 sheltering with friends and family within Gaza. With the addition of 19 million meals, WFP’s efforts will be significantly expanded, reaching 207,385 people in Gaza over the course of one month. The 100 Million Meals campaign, launched earlier in the Islamic month of Ramadan, had already allocated 9 million meals for distribution in Palestine, with food aid reaching beneficiaries in the West Bank. With this additional support, the campaign will extend to Gaza, addressing the urgent needs of thousands of vulnerable individuals.
“About 70 percent of families in the Gaza Strip are facing food insecurity, according to WFP figures. The additional food support, provided through the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign, is a message of solidarity from the UAE to those most affected by this difficult reality.”
Mageed Yahia, Director of the WFP office in the UAE and Representative to the GCC, expressed gratitude for MBRGI’s timely contribution: “We value the additional AED 10 million contribution from MBRGI as it comes at a time when food needs have increased significantly in Palestine due to the recent upsurge in conflict.” He added, “This funding will enable WFP to continue providing a much-needed support to food insecure families who have been displaced and staying with hosting families and many others whose homes and livelihoods have been affected, without which they have nothing to feed their children.”
The situation in the Gaza Strip is especially concerning due to its population density, compromised infrastructure, and adverse living conditions. Gaza’s nearly two million residents have been living under an economic blockade for over 13 years, further isolated by COVID-19-related movement restrictions.
Through the contribution of the 100 Million Meals campaign, WFP is set to distribute an estimated 39 million meals, reaching approximately 399,000 beneficiaries across Palestine, Jordan, and Bangladesh, where WFP’s facilities and field operations are based.
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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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About the 100 Million Meals Initiative
To carry out the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign, the MBRGI is collaborating with the WFP, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the Food Banking Regional Network, and local charity organizations and authorities in the 30 beneficiary countries. With the help of 12 food banks and nine humanitarian institutions, MBRGI ensures food parcels, carrying basic food items, are delivered to the doorstep of vulnerable communities in 30 countries. The ‘100 Million Meals’ concluded in May with more than double its target, raising donations to provide food parcels, equivalent to 216 million meals, in less than a month. The campaign is part of the UAE’s active contribution to global efforts to urgently tackle hunger and malnutrition, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.