GLOBAL COMMUNITIES SCALES UP NUTRITION SUPPORT AND HOT MEAL DISTRIBUTION IN GAZA

In response to the pervasive food crisis in Gaza, Global Communities has significantly ramped up its daily hot meal distribution in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). Since March 13, the organization’s team has tripled its daily output, serving 30,000 hot meals per day, up from 10,000, to address the pressing hunger needs of over 2 million individuals in Gaza. Ra’ed, who oversees the food assistance program in Gaza, underscored the profound impact of these efforts on vulnerable communities, highlighting their role in sustaining human dignity beyond mere survival.

The decision to expand meal distribution was driven by a deep understanding of the dire circumstances resulting from the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The entire population of Gaza is currently facing acute food insecurity, with one million people at risk of imminent famine. To meet the increased demand for food, Global Communities has expanded its operations, including the establishment of a new distribution site. To date, the Palestinian-led team has provided nearly 2.1 million hot meals to those in need. Additionally, over 157,000 food parcels have been distributed outside UNRWA centers since January, each parcel supporting a family of five for two weeks.

Carrie Hessler-Radelet, CEO and President of Global Communities, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to those most affected. She commended the extraordinary courage of the Gaza staff, who continue their work despite personal losses and hardships. As the conflict persists, women, children, and newborns continue to bear the brunt of suffering.

A report from the Global Nutrition Cluster in February 2024 highlighted the deteriorating nutrition situation in Gaza due to food insecurity, lack of safe water and sanitation, disease outbreaks, and a collapsing health system. Over 90% of young children and pregnant or lactating women consume two or fewer food groups daily, with low nutritional value. In early March, Global Communities initiated a program to provide Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (LNS) to pregnant and lactating women and children aged 3 months to 5 years. To date, 8,000 individuals have received LNS, with plans to expand operations to serve approximately 105,000 people monthly.