Khaberni - Nadine Al-Nimri, Director of Communications at Tkiyet Um Ali, stated that the organization currently supports 20,000 families, representing approximately 100,000 people from the impoverished sectors and those below the food poverty line, through monthly food parcels covering between 75% to 80% of their nutritional needs.
Al-Nimri confirmed during her talk to “Al-Mamlaka” that a strategic stockpile sufficient for four months is available, with a commitment by the Tkiyah to absorb any increase in the cost of food items to ensure the continued delivery of support.
She added that disturbances and wars in the region directly affect the most vulnerable and fragile groups, pointing out to a recent study issued by ESCWA indicating that about 5 million additional people in the Arab region will fall below the food poverty line due to the current war and its repercussions on rising prices.
She explained that these crises have led to rising oil prices, alongside a significant increase in fertilizer prices since the start of the war, which reflected on agricultural and food products. This, along with impacts related to shipping movements and insurance costs, has contributed to the rise in food prices.
She pointed out that Jordan is relatively less affected compared to other countries, thanks to governmental measures, such as the announcement of a strategic stock of wheat and barley, provision of essential goods through institutional bodies, alongside economic decisions related to tax and customs exemptions. However, this does not negate the Kingdom's impact from the global rise in food costs.
Al-Nimri confirmed that rising food prices affect all groups; however, the ability to adapt varies. Wealthy families may switch to less expensive alternatives, while poorer families may resort to “negative coping strategies,” such as reducing meals to below daily needs or forgoing some altogether, potentially leading to difficult choices like child labor.
She emphasized the importance of the social protection system led by the state, along with civil society institutions like Tkiyet Um Ali, in supporting the most vulnerable groups.
She also stressed the importance of conscious consumption, explaining that excessive and unjustified storage of food items contributes to increased demand and consequently higher prices, and may encourage practices such as monopolizing or market manipulation.
She added that the current phase, with governmental reassurances, does not require hoarding; instead, such behaviors could exacerbate the problem and negatively impact the groups most in need.
She called for the enhancement of social solidarity by redirecting surplus food to support needy families instead of storing and subsequently wasting it.
She noted that the food parcels provided by the Tkiyah are designed to cover basic needs, focusing on items with long shelf lives due to the difficulty of including perishable items, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the support.
