Social Development Ministry, WFP to provide winter food parcels to 10,000 families

AMMAN — 10,000 vulnerable families will receive food parcels this winter under a new partnership between the UN World Food Progamme (WFP) and the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD).

 The agreement to distribute the winter food parcels was signed on Monday, and aims to reduce poverty and improve food security of the most vulnerable communities throughout the country, according to a WFP statement on Monday.

Distribution of 9,600 food parcels will start in early January, while an emergency stock of 400 parcels will be provided to families in case of flash floods or storms. Each parcel covers the basic food needs of a family of five for a month, and includes items such as olive oil, flour, sugar, beans, packed vegetables and zaatar, according to the statement. 

The MoSD is currently working to identify the families that will be receiving the food parcels, the statement said. 

Minister of Social Development Basma Ishaqat said that the partnership with the WFP aims to reach the most vulnerable families in Jordan and works to reduce poverty among these families. She added that the Ministry will distribute the 10,000 food packages with WFP’s support, the statement said.

 “Winter is a particularly difficult time of the year when some vulnerable families are forced to choose between heating, warm clothing or buying food, and these food parcels will help to ease the pressure for these families, while at the same time ensuring their food security,” WFP Country Director and Representative in Jordan Sarah Gordon-Gibson was quoted in the statement as saying. 

She added: “In line with national priorities, the WFP will focus on supporting national social protection efforts, and the partnership between MoSD and WFP is a first step in that direction”.