The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a substantial contribution of 2.63 million USD from the Government of Australia to assist vulnerable populations in Lebanon. This funding aims to enable the WFP to provide essential food and cash aid to those in need.
In a press release by the WFP, the latter stated that families in Lebanon are currently paying 35 USD per person each month for staple food items amid economic turmoil. However, Lebanon’s minimum wage covers only slightly more than half of a family’s monthly food needs.
Australia’s contribution comes at a critical juncture as Lebanon faces a protracted economic crisis compounded by regional tensions.
Abdallah Alwardat, the WFP’s Lebanon Country Director and Representative, explained that “Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis, the daily challenges people are facing in ensuring their families have enough food to eat, and the heightened regional tensions moving into 2024 have been a persistent concern.”
With 1.05 million people in Lebanon already experiencing acute food insecurity — a number projected to rise to 1.14 million by April 2024 — Australia’s funding is crucial. Chargé d’Affaires Amanda McGregor from the Australian Embassy in Lebanon emphasized their commitment to supporting vulnerable families.
This recent contribution brings Australia’s total support for the WFP in Lebanon to 14.49 million USD since the onset of the economic crisis in 2019.
