Empowering through nutrition: chef Manal Alalem connects with women of Zaatari camp

Walking through the dusty paths of the Zaatari refugee camp, the sounds of children playing and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air—a testament to life persisting despite hardship. For Chef Manal Alalem, this wasn’t her first visit to Zaatari. Still, each journey to this sprawling camp carried a new depth of emotion and purpose. As a WFP Goodwill Ambassador in Jordan, she has witnessed firsthand the resilience of Syrian refugees navigating the challenges of displacement. This time, her visit focused on connecting with several women who benefit from WFP’s monthly food assistance and have participated in nutrition awareness sessions for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Manal’s morning began in one of the camp’s community kitchens, where a group of women sat in a circle, recipe books and educational fact cards in hand. The session, led by a WFP nutritionist, emphasized practical tips for improving family diets using simple and affordable ingredients. Holding up one of the books, Manal explained how making informed food choices could transform lives. “Food is more than just survival—it’s a way to nurture, heal, and empower,” she shared with the women, her voice carrying the warmth of someone who deeply cares.

Manal then invited the group to join her in preparing a communal meal using recipes from the book. As they cooked, the conversation flowed naturally, creating a space for the women to share parts of their experiences. Among them was Fatima, a mother of seven, whose story embodied the hardships and triumphs faced by many in the camp.

Fatima, now in her forties, arrived at Zaatari in 2014 with her husband and children after fleeing the Damascus suburbs. Two of her daughters were born in the camp, and two others are now married with children. Her family’s life back home revolved around agriculture, but in Zaatari, Fatima found herself navigating an entirely new reality. “When I first came here, I relied on the knowledge passed down from my mother and relatives about feeding babies and caring for myself during pregnancy,” Fatima shared with Manal as she stirred a pot of lentils, rice and spinach.

Later, after the meal, Fatima sat with Manal to share more of her journey. “Much of that advice turned out to be wrong—or even harmful,” she said, explaining how WFP’s nutrition awareness sessions had opened her eyes. “I used to think giving honey to my babies would make them strong,” she admitted. “But I learned that it can be dangerous before they turn one. Now, I feel confident and safe in my choices.”

Manal was visibly moved by Fatima’s story, adding: “You’ve not only transformed your own family’s health but become a teacher for others,” she said, smiling. Fatima nodded, explaining how she now shares this knowledge with her daughters, neighbours, and friends, spreading positive change throughout the camp community.

Nearby, Hamida, a single mother of three, was busy arranging ingredients for a vegetable stew. During the cooking session, Hamida shared how she had struggled with anaemia for years, a condition exacerbated by the limited food options available to her family. However, she said the nutrition awareness program had taught her how to balance meals. “I never thought food could change so much,” Hamida told Manal. “I started replacing expensive ingredients with affordable ones that are just as nutritious. For example, I learned to use lentils instead of meat in some dishes. My anaemia improved, and I can see the difference in my blood test results.”

Later, in a quieter moment after the session, Hamida spoke more about the challenges her family faces. “The monthly food assistance has been reduced for over a year, and it’s hit us hard,” she said. “But I’ve learned to adapt and make the most of what we have. I feel confident now when purchasing food for my kids, knowing what to introduce on the table.”

Hamida’s message to other women was clear and adamant: “Improve your knowledge. Look for correct information and leave behind misconceptions and harmful cultural practices, especially those related to food intake. It has a direct effect on your family’s health.”

Listening to these stories, Manal was reminded of the immense challenges refugees face, especially in camp environments where resources are scarce. Yet, the resilience and ingenuity of women like Fatima and Hamida stood as a beacon of hope. “Your strength inspires me,” she told them as they gathered to serve the meal they had prepared together.

The session ended with laughter and shared plates, but the realities of camp life lingered in Manal’s mind as she walked back through Zaatari’s winding paths. She reflected on the urgent need for increased support to meet the needs of vulnerable families.

At the heart of these efforts is WFP’s partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), whose contributions, alongside other generous donors, help sustain WFP’s monthly food assistance for thousands of refugees. 

To improve the nutritional status of families receiving monthly assistance, WFP is integrating a nutrition awareness component focusing on families with specific needs, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women and children aged 6–23 months. Through training and educational tools, WFP is raising awareness about the importance of diverse, nutritious diets to address these needs.

However, with refugee needs outpacing available resources, Manal emphasized the importance of continued collective action to address the gaps. “Every meal shared, every piece of knowledge passed on—it all makes a difference,” she said. “But we must ensure these families have the support they need not only to survive, but to thrive.”

As she departed Zaatari, Chef Manal carried with her stories of struggle, hope, determination, and the power of community—proof that, even in the most challenging circumstances, the human spirit remains unbreakable.