Life for Relief and Development
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
In anticipation of the donations that it expected to receive during Ramadan, LIFE for Relief and Development began distributing food baskets to needy families at the beginning of the holy month. These distributions took place in many countries around the world so far.
In Damascus, LIFE Syria prepared an initial Ramadan distribution for 130 families. Half of these families had orphaned children among them who remain on a waiting list to be sponsored by one of LIFE's donors.
LIFE Jordan distributed food baskets to hundreds of families living in Palestinian refugee camps. This distribution actually began a few days before Ramadan with the goal of ensuring that the beneficiaries would have enough food for iftar on their first day of fasting.
The food baskets, which produce meals for a family of seven for an entire month, are usually made up of common food staples, such as rice, oil, sugar, canned goods, lentils, tea, canned meats, and other nutritious items. When available, fresh fruits and vegetables are included in the baskets.
In Islamabad, LIFE Pakistan has organized daily iftar gatherings for hundreds of needy people and refugees. These communal dinners have been received with great appreciation and fanfare by the less fortunate residents of the city.
Food distribution projects in the U.S., Palestine, Iraq, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and elsewhere are currently underway and the results of these projects will be posted as soon as they become available.
During Ramadan 2008, LIFE for Relief and Development distributed enough food to make 1 million meals for beneficiaries in over a dozen countries.