photo linked from http://www.dontbelieveinjetlag.com/foodology/syrian-refugees-eat/
People fleeing the hideous violence in Syria are very much on our minds.
Looking at photos of what goes into luggage packed as people flee their homes, you see there’s really very little food going with them on their journeys. Refugees must be hungry indeed, and in such difficulty taking care of the needs– body and spirit– of their children and themselves.
I thought to try to cook something Syrian and maybe blog about this famous food culture, and so much that has been lost– including the glorious market in Allepo — now a disturbing ruin from an unimaginable war. Instead I found this article, from the blog Don’t Believe in Jetlag. This is a wonderful food blog– here’s their piece on Syrian Food Bloggers, which is a great reference. Thank you to this site for publishing such an interesting and important look into what Syrian refugees are eating– at least at this one village, to which assistance reaches.
What Do Syrian Refugees Eat?
— by Don’t Believe in Jetlag
We’ve often asked ourselves the question above. Food holds an important place in the Levant. In this region of the world, it doesn’t matter how little food a family has, they will systematically welcome you with open arms and beg you to stay for supper – and it will ALWAYS be delicious. So what happens to those who were forced to flee their country, which serves one of the best cuisines in the world?
It’s been calculated that the food energy requirements for refugees (men and women) in emergencies is 2100 calories per person per day.
Food is donated to refugees in two different ways –but never both together. Either they receive food vouchers, which are generally provided by the United Nation’s World Food Program through other organizations. Each family member gets one monthly food voucher, which they can redeem at selected vendors in the area. Those who work receive smaller amounts – as the World Food Program wants to help refugees attain independence.
Families can also receive food packages, which are donated monthly. The same packages are donated to each family, no matter its size, meaning that a family of 5 receives the same quantities as a family of 8.
The table below shows the content of a food package donated by the Good Shepherds Sisters to refugees in the Deir el Ahmar town in the Bekaa valley:
The packages can change slightly. If a family requests lentils instead of flour, the organization is happy to assist.
Please support The Good shepherd Sisters community center in Deir el Ahmar, located in the Bekaa valley. The organization schools 350 Syrian refugees (from the ages of 6 to 12). We aim to raise $8750, which is the sum needed to feed the pupils warm meals for a week. If you would like to make a difference in these children’s lives: please donate.
Thanks to http://www.dontbelieveinjetlag.com/foodology/syrian-refugees-eat/ for this post
Kitchen Counter Culture 
Reblogged this on Thought + Food and commented:
At one of my favorite blogs, “Kitchen Counter Culture”, excellent read on what Syrian refugees eat and how food can reach them.
Thanks for sharing this, just heart breaking, a lesson on appreciating everything we have, and never take anything for granted.
Hi Blanche, yes. Absolutely shockingly sad, horrible, heart-breaking situation, as you say, and I think it’s deteriorated from the time of the writing of the article I link to. Wanted to say– I can see in the stats that a lot of people come to my site in search of info re what Syrian refugees eat… If you hear or read anything, could you please let me know and I’ll try to post links… Thanks.
[…] refugees eat. I have no personal knowledge about this, though I did a while back reblog some information that is now probably pretty obsolete pertaining to refugees in Lebanon. That’s why you might end up here on my […]