Ramadan Food Basket Project by Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) Provided Essential Support to 700 Individuals in Pakistan

Poverty is a state of deprivation that affects all aspects of a person’s life. In Pakistan, approximately 95 million people live below the national poverty line. With 38% of the population considered to be multidimensionally poor, these individuals struggle to survive as they lack access to adequate food, water, health, education, and living standards.

One of the most difficult challenges faced by those living in poverty is the physical and emotional stress induced by food insecurity. Over 80 million Pakistanis struggle with some form of food insecurity. This inaccessibility to essential nutrition severely impacts the wellbeing of children, with about 40% of children under the age of five in Pakistan being stunted due to chronic malnutrition. In some areas, specifically rural locations, the numbers are much worse.

For many, this daily struggle is sufficient to solidify a life of suffering. However, millions were dealt with an additional blow in 2022 due to the devastating floods that hit the region. The subsequent destruction directly affected 33 million, damaging or destroying over 2 million homes, leaving 8 million Pakistanis displaced.

As a result, the region is still struggling to recover from the impact of the floods. Due to the destruction of crops, livestock, public services, and livelihoods, nine million people remain at risk of acute food insecurity. Further worsened by the sharp increase in inflation, reaching a rise of 40% in 2023, the vulnerable within society remain in a persistent state of deprivation and need.

In response, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) provided direct relief to 100 families in the form of food baskets. The food charity was delivered to 700 beneficiaries in total, on February 28, 2025, in time for the fasting month of Ramadan. Focusing on reaching the most impoverished households, the food distribution was arranged in Dera Ismail Khan District KPK, Pakistan as this was one of the areas that faces considerable levels of food insecurity and remains severely impacted by the floods.

To serve those most in need, priority was given to orphans, widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The Ramadan food baskets provided essential relief and nutrition to the beneficiaries. Struggling to rebuild their lives after the floods, residents have remained in a consistent state of deprivation and multidimensional poverty. The food security provided by LIFE’s food basket initiative and your donations have granted these vulnerable families a month of ease and stability.

A local resident, Muhammad Altaf, expressed his deep gratitude for your donations and LIFE’s efforts as he received his food basket. Highlighting the extreme hardships residents have become accustomed to, he shares how impactful food baskets are for those living in poverty. “We are very delighted that LIFE has come to our area and supported us through the food packs. We are unable to purchase these items on our own.”

Providing essential relief, nutrition and food security, beneficiaries have been granted a Ramadan of joy and celebration, warmth and togetherness through LIFE’s Ramadan Food Basket Project.

Image of Muhammad Altaf: