OPEC Fund grants WFP $500,000 to support food aid in Syria

A member of the World Food Program (WFP) is distributing food aid to a woman in Raqqa Governorate, north Syria, in June 2020 – WFP
A member of the World Food Program (WFP) is distributing food aid to a woman in Raqqa Governorate, north Syria, in June 2020 – WFP WFP is working with partner organizations to distribute food to the most vulnerable and ensure that families are aware of COVID-19 and how they can stay safe. Food distribution times are now staggered to reduce crowds, food is placed in small piles at least 1 meter apart, staff and beneficiaries have access to hand sanitizer and all beneficiaries are required to maintain social distancing while collecting their food. In the Photo: WFP and UNICEF began distributing bars of soap (provided by UNICEF) along with WFPÕs monthly general food distribution to help families to stay healthy during COVID19. Close to 4.7 million people will receive this soap, that was distributed by WFP. Photo: WFP/Khudr Alissa

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UN World Food Program (WFP) and the OPEC Fund for International Development  formalized a $500,000 grant agreement to bolster emergency food assistance in Syria, the two organizations announced on Friday.

The funding will enable WFP to scale up its monthly food-voucher assistance, aiming to reach around 1.6 million vulnerable people each month across the country.

WFP said that the under the program, vulnerable Syrian families will receive electronic food vouchers valued at $65 per household, sufficient to cover their daily food needs for one month.  

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, where the OPEC Fund’s President, Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, met WFP representatives and reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to combating global food insecurity and hunger.

“Food security is the foundation of lasting peace and recovery,” said Marianne Ward, WFP Syria Country Director. “The OPEC Fund’s support will help us reach families most in need, including those who are returning home and rebuilding their lives, while also revitalizing local economies and creating job opportunities.”

The assistance will prioritize households facing food insecurity—including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and refugees—and give special attention to severely food insecure households such as households headed by women, those with separated or unaccompanied children, persons living with disabilities, and families with young children or pregnant or breastfeeding women and girls at risk of malnutrition.

Syria remains in the grips of a deep and protracted humanitarian crisis following more than 14 years of conflict, recurrent displacement and economic collapse. According to WFP, food security has deteriorated further since the country’s political transition in December 2024, with more than half of the population facing food insecurity and nearly three million people projected to be severely food insecure.

The WFP reports that in 2024 it was only able to assist about 1.5 million people each month due to significant funding shortfalls — a steep reduction from earlier years.   

By Jwan Shekaki