In the words of Layla and Samir: Food insecurity in Lebanon persists
Around 140 km away from Beirut, the Hermel District is home to an estimated 48,000 residents who struggle to meet their daily needs. In response to the hardships of the families in Hermel, in partnership with Word Food Programme, World Vision has been providing In-kind food parcels to families affected by Lebanon's economic crisis since its onset in 2020.
I depend completely on these food parcels to prepare a full meal
“Whenever my children inquire about things they desire but we cannot afford, I encourage them to appreciate the blessings we do have and the kindness we receive, such as these food parcels that others may not be fortunate enough to receive," says Layla, a mother of two girls and a boy. Her eldest daughter, 18, had to let go of her university education due to the high cost of tuition and instead, take a job in a shop to assist her mother in providing for their daily needs.
"For nearly a year now, I've been receiving these parcels. Previously, I struggled to add rice and pasta to our lunches and I find it hard to ask for assistance but there were times when I had no choice but to ask my relatives for their help. Now, I no longer feel the need to burden others,” she adds. “I can completely depend on these food parcels to prepare a full meal for my children when they return from school.”
“These parcels have provided us with the ability to sustain ourselves!”
Not far from Layla's family, Samir and his wife reside. "I had to discontinue my education during my first year of Baccalaureate in the 1980s due to economic hardships and the war. While working on the installation of a high-tension line, I had an accident that affected my mobility. Now, I require a walking stick to move around properly, and I also face challenges with urinary incontinence,", says Samir.
"My wife and I can handle eating only potatoes and vegetables, they are a convenient option for us as we live alone. Growing produce would be the best option; however, we do not have space. These parcels have provided us with the ability to sustain ourselves without any shortage of food”, adds Samir.
Even though there is enough food in the world to feed everyone, however, families like Layla’s and Samir’s continue to face food insecurity silently. With the provision of these food parcels, individuals can provide nourishing meals for their families, freeing up funds for other vital needs.
Notably, the joint initiatives have made a substantial impact, exemplified by the World Food Programme's reaching over 308,000 individuals with food parcels throughout Lebanon in the past month. In December 2023 alone, World Vision in partnership with the World Food Programme reached 4,655 households, providing 8,720 food parcels to those in need.