Food Baskets Distributed to 765 vulnerable Families in Upper Egypt by Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE), Just in Time for Ramadan

Home to one of the seven wonders of the world, Egypt has long been a land of ancient power and rich history. However, despite the greatness that this country has seen, one thing remains constant: inequality, poverty and hardship has been a common struggle faced by its population.    

While on average, approximately 30% of Egyptians live below the national poverty line, those living in Upper Egypt’s governorates of Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan experience a higher level of deprivation. Reaching rates of up to 60% in these regions, the residents face some of the nation's toughest levels of poverty and food insecurity.

For decades, national investment was concentrated in Cairo, Alexandria, and the Delta, limiting the infrastructural development of Upper Egypt. Left marginalized, households in these governorates lack a stable income and do not have sufficient access to basic services. To survive, they must rely on subsistence agriculture in an area where there is inadequate access to water.

Further intensifying the poverty faced by millions in Egypt, inflation has placed considerable strain on its population. Inflation peaked at a steep 38% rise by the end of 2023. This plunged millions into an immediate food crisis, which still affects much of the population today. The price of food has remained high, most notably demonstrated by the price of subsidized bread being increased by 300% in 2024.

With the price of food soaring and many left with no means of livelihood, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) recognized the need to support those suffering from food scarcity in time for the fasting month of Ramadan. From February 5, 2025, to March 3, 2025, LIFE distributed Ramadan food baskets to 765 families in the 4 Egyptian governorates of Aswan, Qena, Luxor and Sohag. These 765 food baskets reached approximately 4,590 beneficiaries, with 2,295 of them being children.

Distributions were made to the most vulnerable members of the community, focusing on delivering aid to families without a stable income and those with many dependents. Given the high price of food, these Ramadan baskets were a welcome gift and a source of relief to the 4,590 beneficiaries that received them.

The extreme poverty faced by families in this region has considerably affected their well-being. Forced to borrow from others, many of the recipients were living in dire circumstances.

One family witnessed the loss of their father, the sole breadwinner, as his mounting debt became too much to pay. He left the house one day and did not return, with no contact between him and his family. Leaving his young children and wife behind, they remain in a state of deprivation, entirely reliant on the kindness of others. Knowing that they did not have enough food and drink to get them through Ramadan, the food charity transformed their existence from one of dread and worry to utter delight and happiness.

Another family, in a similar state of debt, endured the imprisonment of their father when he was unable to repay what he borrowed. Losing their patriarch, the mother and children were kicked out of their home with no means of income. Eventually, relying on a governmental subsidy, she was able to rent a small apartment to shelter her children, but still struggled to feed them. Receiving the food basket, their faces filled with joy. The mother was overcome with emotion when she saw her children eating after being in a state of constant hunger. She thanked LIFE’s workers and donors for their incredible kindness and generosity.

Accustomed to living with extreme poverty and food insecurity, your donations brought a rare sense of comfort and relief to the vulnerable beneficiaries in Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan.