Refugee family makes ends meet with WFP’s COVID-Emergency assistance

In late August 2020, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Jordan expanded its monthly food assistance to 40,000 refugees who were impacted by the pandemic.

Hussein, his wife and six children left Syria in 2016 seeking refuge in Jordan. To make ends meet, three of Hussein’s daughters began working in farms to collect vegetables and fruits and earn an income.

“Every three months, we pack our belongings and move from one city to another depending on the harvest season,” says Hussein.

With no other employment opportunities, Hussein and his family were forced to accept the difficult circumstances. During the pandemic, Hussein’s daughters, among many other daily labourers across the country, lost their jobs and started earning less.

“Our meals mainly consisted of rice, bread and potato every day, we could not afford much more”, he says.

In response to Hussein’s situation and 40,000 other refugees who were impacted by the pandemic, WFP in Jordan expanded its monthly assistance to help vulnerable refugees meet their basic needs. Hussein and his family began receiving JOD 15 in assistance per person per month. The assistance was especially helpful during the holy month of Ramadan, where traditionally, food is particularly important.

“The timing of the assistance couldn’t have been more perfect, especially during Ramadan. Five days ago, I bought two chickens for Iftar and it made my children very happy,” says the father.

Now, the family can afford more food options in their diet and feel safe knowing they have some money to put food on the table.