In response to escalating food insecurity in Gaza, Global Communities, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), has significantly expanded its hot meal distribution efforts to address the growing hunger crisis affecting over two million residents. Since March 13, the daily distribution of hot meals has increased from 10,000 to 30,000, in an urgent effort to combat the severe food shortages exacerbated by the ongoing Israel/Palestinian conflict.
Ra’ed, the director of Global Communities’ food assistance program in Gaza, described the dire situation: “We are addressing the most profound needs I’ve ever witnessed, transcending mere survival and food security, to fundamentally sustain the human spirit in our vulnerable communities.”
The escalation in food aid comes as the entire population of Gaza faces acute food insecurity, with famine conditions imminent for one million people. The intensified efforts include the establishment of a new distribution site to better serve the increased demand for nourishment.
To date, the Palestinian-led team at Global Communities has delivered nearly 2.1 million hot meals. Additionally, more than 157,000 food parcels have been distributed since January outside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) centers. Each parcel provides two weeks of sustenance for a family of five.
Carrie Hessler-Radelet, CEO and President of Global Communities, emphasized the organization’s commitment: “Our priority and guiding principle is the delivery of humanitarian aid to those severely affected. Our dedication to this cause is matched by the incredible courage of our staff in Gaza, who, despite their own losses and hardships, continue to facilitate our humanitarian response with steadfast dedication. Their courage in the face of danger is a powerful testament to the values we hold dear at Global Communities.”
The ongoing conflict, now in its seventh month, continues to disproportionately impact women, children, and newborns. A February 2024 report by the Global Nutrition Cluster highlighted the worsening nutrition situation in Gaza, noting that over 90% of children under two, along with pregnant and lactating women, consume diets consisting of two or fewer food groups daily, predominantly of the lowest nutritional value.
In a recent initiative launched in early March, Global Communities began targeting pregnant and lactating women and children aged 3 months to 5 years with Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (LNS) to mitigate malnutrition. Already, 8,000 individuals have benefited from this program, with plans to expand the reach to approximately 105,000 people monthly.
As the crisis in Gaza deepens, Global Communities and the World Food Programme are urgently working to scale up their efforts, providing critical support to those most in need amid the devastating conditions.
