Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) Meat Distribution Report 2026

A Global Celebration of Compassion

Every year during Eid al Adha, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) implements its Udhiyah Program to provide nutritious meat to vulnerable families across the globe. Rooted in the tradition of charitable giving, the program helps address food insecurity while enabling families affected by poverty, conflict, displacement, and disaster to celebrate the holiday with dignity.

For many of the households LIFE serves, meat is consumed only a few times a year, if at all. Through targeted distributions to orphaned children, widows, refugees, people with disabilities, and families experiencing severe economic hardship, the Udhiyah Program improves access to nutritious food while providing meaningful support during one of the year's most significant celebrations.

LIFE’s 2026 Udhiyah program brought fresh, nutritious meat to families across more than 30 countries, reaching nearly 100,000 people and providing approximately 200,000 meals. Working through its international offices and trusted local partners, LIFE procured livestock from local markets, coordinated slaughter in accordance with local regulations and Islamic guidelines, and distributed fresh or preserved meat to vulnerable communities. This locally driven approach strengthened regional economies, ensured culturally appropriate implementation, and enabled assistance to reach families quickly and efficiently. 

The Importance of Udhiyah

Addressing Food Insecurity

Millions of families around the world continue to face food insecurity due to conflict, displacement, economic hardship, and natural disasters. As food prices rise and household budgets shrink, protein-rich foods such as meat are often among the first items families can no longer afford. Through the Udhiyah Program, LIFE helps bridge this gap by providing nutritious meat to vulnerable households during Eid al Adha, easing financial pressure while ensuring families have access to a healthy meal.

Supporting Health and Nutrition

Meat is an important source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients that support healthy growth, immune function, and overall well-being. For many of the children and families LIFE serves, Eid al Adha may be the only time they consume fresh meat throughout the year. By improving access to nutrient-rich food, the Udhiyah Program contributes to healthier diets and helps address nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable populations.

Strengthening Communities

Whenever possible, LIFE purchases livestock from local farmers and suppliers, creating economic opportunities that extend beyond the families receiving assistance. This approach supports local agriculture, livestock markets, transport providers, and small businesses while ensuring aid is delivered efficiently through established community networks. By investing locally, the program generates broader economic benefits alongside its humanitarian impact.

Bringing Families Together

Food has the power to bring people together, especially during important cultural and religious celebrations. For families facing hardship, receiving Udhiyah means more than putting a meal on the table. It provides an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share in the spirit of Eid, and experience moments of joy and togetherness that financial hardship might otherwise place out of reach.

Gaza

In Gaza, families continue to face severe food insecurity after years of crisis and widespread destruction have disrupted access to food, livelihoods, and other necessities. For families struggling to provide even daily meals, access to meat can be extremely limited. Through LIFE’s Udhiyah program, families were able to receive nutritious canned meat during Eid. First, the livestock was selected in South Africa, shipped to the UAE for canning, and then brought into Gaza to be distributed. Over 50,000 cans were distributed.

Kenya

In Kenya, recurring drought, high food prices, and poverty continue to leave vulnerable families struggling to meet their basic food needs, particularly in communities hosting refugees. LIFE distributed Udhiyah meat in Dadaab and surrounding areas, reaching 21,680 people and providing approximately 43,360 meals. This support gave thousands of families access to nutritious meat while helping ease the burden of food insecurity during Eid.

Yemen

After years of crisis and economic instability, millions of people in Yemen continue to struggle with hunger and difficulty affording basic necessities. LIFE distributed Udhiyah meat in Aden, Lahj, and Marib, reaching 12,353 people and providing approximately 24,706 meals. For families facing rising food costs and limited incomes, the distribution provided valuable nutrition and the opportunity to share an Eid meal.

Sudan

Conflict and displacement have left millions of people across Sudan facing severe hunger, with displaced families among the most vulnerable. At the Kosti IDP camp, LIFE’s partner distributed Udhiyah meat from 18 cows to 900 families, reaching approximately 5,400 people and providing 10,800 meals. The distribution helped families who have been forced from their homes access nutritious food during an exceptionally difficult period.

Syria

Years of conflict and displacement continue to affect Syrian families, including those living in camps with limited resources and employment opportunities. LIFE distributed Udhiyah meat from 40 sheep to 625 families in Sarmada, Idlib, and IDP camps along the Syrian-Turkish border, reaching approximately 3,125 people and providing 6,250 meals. This assistance provided families with nutritious meat while allowing them to participate in the traditions and celebration of Eid.

These are just a few highlights from LIFE’s 2026 Udhiyah program. Across more than 30 countries, your generosity helped bring nutritious meat and the joy of Eid to vulnerable families and communities around the world.

Testimonials 

Amina, 42, Somalia - “Receiving fresh meat meant I could prepare a special meal for my children, something we rarely have.”

Hassan, 67, Yemen - “Meat has become difficult for our family to afford. This Udhiyah gift meant so much to us.”

Mariam, 35, Palestine - “My children were so happy to have meat to eat. It brought some joy to our family during a difficult time.”

Fatima, 29, Afghanistan - “The Udhiyah meat helped us prepare nourishing meals for our children without worrying about the cost.”

Ibrahim, 54, Kenya - “We do not often have meat at home, so receiving this brought happiness to our entire family.”

Layla, 38, Syria - “Being able to prepare a meal with meat made Eid feel special for our children.”

Thank You

For many families facing poverty, displacement, and food insecurity, this Udhiyah was a rare opportunity to enjoy meat and share a special meal together.

None of this would have been possible without our donors and our team. Their dedication and generosity turned the spirit of Udhiyah into nourishment, hope, and many smiles around the world.

As we look ahead, LIFE remains committed to reaching even more vulnerable communities and ensuring our community's generosity continues to make a difference.