Warm Meals and Ramadan Food Baskets by Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) Bring Hope to over 3,500 in Syria’s Camps

Syria was once known as a land of rich history, diverse culture, and civilization. Previously considered “The breadbasket of the Middle East”, Syria’s ample production of wheat, barley, olives, cotton, and fruits was enjoyed by its population and shared with neighboring countries.

However, since the onset of the conflict in 2011, Syria has been flung into a persistent state of worsening deprivation and destruction. The ongoing violence has destroyed necessary infrastructure, leaving more than half of the water and sanitation services non-operational. Furthermore, over a third of homes have been demolished, driving 5.5 million Syrians outside of the country in search of refuge, whilst internally displacing 7.2 million.

This state of instability and insecurity has gradually deteriorated, as demonstrated clearly by Syria's GDP decreasing by an estimated $800 billion over the 14 years of conflict. As the country is consumed by chaos, its population is left struggling to maintain some form of existence.

Unfortunately, deprived of basic services and infrastructure, 90% of Syrians now live below the poverty line, leaving over 16 million entirely reliant on humanitarian aid for survival. The food situation in Syria has reached crisis levels. Syria’s agricultural output has halved over the last decade, leaving over 55% of the population facing food shortages. As of 2025, an estimated 14.5 million Syrians face food insecurity.

This, coupled with the weakening of the Syrian pound and skyrocketing inflation, has intensified the food crisis facing the nation. Food has become so unaffordable that more than five months’ salary is required to purchase a basic food basket for a family of five.

To alleviate food insecurity prior to Ramadan, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) organized food basket distributions along with Ramadan Iftar meals for vulnerable communities in Idlib, Syria. On February 28, 2025, 209 Ramadan food baskets were provided to targeted families, benefiting approximately 1,045 individuals. Additionally, on March 03, 2025, 495 nutritious family Iftar meals were provided, reaching approximately 2,475 individuals.

These food charity projects addressed urgent humanitarian needs among vulnerable communities in Idlib, Syria, as many families lack access to basic food necessities. The main objective of this intervention was to support vulnerable families by providing timely and sufficient food assistance, allowing them to observe Ramadan with dignity.

To support those most in need, marginalized groups were prioritized, such as female-headed households, elderly persons, individuals with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged families.

The food baskets provided direct relief to displaced families who have been struggling to survive on meagre provisions, such as tea and bread. For some beneficiaries, hunger was all they had as they sacrificed meals, hoping to feed their children. These food baskets and ready-to-eat Iftar meals secured essential nutrition for all the family, building up community resilience and motivating them to continue their quest for survival.

For many displaced in Syrian refugee camps, it’s hard not to feel forgotten and discarded. However, your generosity, donations, and care, along with LIFE’s initiatives, served as a reminder that they are not alone.