February 17 — Cairo: Egypt’s government has announced plans to distribute up to 60 million iftar meals nationwide during the holy month of Ramadan, as part of a major initiative to support families in need.
According to the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the program will operate through 642 Ahl El-Kheir feeding locations, along with more than 20 Mahrousa restaurants and distribution centers, including both permanent and mobile units across the country.
The initiative will be implemented in cooperation with 286 partner organizations, including the Ministry of Awqaf, charitable institutions, civil society organizations, and volunteer groups.
Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Kabbaj said the “Itaam” (Feeding) initiative aims to provide daily hot meals to vulnerable families throughout Ramadan. She added that the program also creates employment opportunities, particularly for women who serve as primary providers for their families and work in participating kitchens.
The ministry described the campaign as part of broader efforts by the state to strengthen food support programs during Ramadan, a period when household expenses typically increase.
At the same time, the ministry has launched the Ahl El-Kheir competition through the Fund for Supporting NGO and Civil Institution Projects. The initiative seeks to identify and support the most effective food distribution programs organized by civil society groups.
The first phase of the competition is already in progress, with a second phase scheduled to continue until the end of Ramadan. Non-governmental organizations, volunteer groups, and civil society institutions have been invited to submit applications through the ministry’s official website.
Part of Broader Social Protection Efforts
The Ministry of Social Solidarity, which manages Egypt’s social protection programs, has strengthened its partnerships with civil society in recent years to expand welfare and food security initiatives.
One of the government’s key social protection programs is the Takaful and Karama cash assistance scheme, which provides financial support to low-income families, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities.
Ramadan meal distribution programs complement these financial assistance efforts by helping families cope with seasonal increases in food expenses.
Large-scale food distribution initiatives have become a regular feature of Egypt’s Ramadan social programs, combining government supervision with charitable and volunteer support. In recent years, these initiatives have also contributed to job creation, particularly by providing employment opportunities for women working in community kitchens.
