Islamic Relief will distribute 415,000 food packs – enough food for more than 2 million people – every month until December.
The intensification of conflict in March has impacted heavily on the Yemeni population, which was already highly reliant on humanitarian aid. Large-scale displacement continues to occur and malnourishment is widespread. The World Food Programme has estimated that the number of people without a regular source of food currently stands at 12 million – a 13 percent increase since the start of the crisis. More than 90 percent of Yemen’s staple food was imported before the fighting escalated and the closure of ports has decreased the availability of food. Food prices are estimated to have risen by up to 40 percent, impacting further on the poorest people. Farmers in conflict-affected areas are likely to miss the planting season.
Haney Masood, who coordinates Islamic Relief Worldwide’s programmes in Yemen, said: “Huge numbers of people in Yemen are struggling to access the food they so badly need, and this commitment to reach so many families will ease some of their sufferings. Our team in Yemen will continue their tireless work to reach those most in need during this very difficult time.”
Islamic Relief will distribute food to the most vulnerable conflict-affected people, including IDPs (internally displaced people). Each food parcel is expected to meet the basic needs of a family of around seven for one month, and typically includes 25kg of wheat flour, 10kg of sugar, 4.9 litres of cooking oil, 10kg of rice, 2.4kg of pasta and 4.4kg of red beans, although the exact content can vary.
Islamic Relief has worked in Yemen since 1998 and has been teaming up with the World Food Programme in the country for over a decade. Since March 2015, Islamic Relief has increased its aid to the Middle Eastern country, and distributed more than 594,000 food packs between March and June 2015.