Dignity Restored to 120 Families in Ethiopia through Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE)’s Ramadan Food Basket Initiative

In this world of excess and overconsumption, to accept that there are global hunger emergencies, where humans perish from starvation and malnutrition, is a haunting reality. The imbalance that we build our existence on is a high price to pay for our comfort and extravagance; that price being the lives of our fellow brothers.   

One of these top global hunger emergencies is currently occurring in Ethiopia, where about 20–25 million individuals are in dire need of humanitarian food assistance. Poverty is prevalent, with around 72% of Ethiopians being multidimensionally poor. Lacking adequate access to healthcare, education, water, food and income, citizens are left struggling to survive in the face of conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.

This structural poverty intensifies the food insecurity faced by the population. In 2024, Ethiopia ranked 102nd out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index, demonstrating how deeply a lack of access to food impacts the country as approximately 41.5 million struggle to secure sufficient food.  In fact, chronic malnutrition affects 40% of children under the age of five, capturing the destructive impact that this crisis can have on generations to come.

Over 10 million people in Ethiopia face starvation and malnutrition daily, with up to a third of households in some conflict-affected areas facing emergency levels of hunger. For some, the situation is even more dire, as Ethiopia holds over 4.5 million internally displaced individuals along with more than 800,000 refugees. The added strain caused by displacement further disempowers individuals from establishing a consistent and reliable source of sustenance and nutrition that is required for survival.

To support families struggling with this crisis during the month of Ramadan, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) distributed food baskets to 120 families in Kaliti, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On March 8, 2025, food baskets containing staple ingredients such as vegetable oil, flour, rice, and dates were provided to the most vulnerable members of the community. Priority was given to households with no stable source of income, single parents, and the elderly.

The distribution aimed to alleviate food insecurity and support vulnerable families in observing Ramadan with dignity. LIFE’s food charity was well received by the beneficiaries, who expressed their gratitude for the much-needed support. Many families shared their appreciation, stating that the food packages significantly eased their financial burden and enabled them to observe fasting with peace of mind.

For one recipient, Hayat Shamil, a mother of three, skipping meals became the norm after her husband lost his job. Upon receiving the food package, she expressed her infinite gratitude: “For the first time this blessed month of Ramadan, I can cook a proper meal for my children without worrying about tomorrow.”

Thanks to your donations and the support of LIFE’s staff, Hayat now has enough food to sustain her family for weeks, giving her and her husband the breathing space to focus on finding work and rebuilding their lives.

Hayat’s story represents the impact had on all the beneficiaries of LIFE’s Ramadan Food Basket initiative, serving a reminder that food assistance is about more than just meals. It is about restoring dignity, offering hope, and bringing stability to those who need it most.