Lebanon: Meals for Students, Income for Mothers

September 16, 2022

As Lebanon navigates tremendous economic crisis, many people struggle to provide basics for their families—even if they can find work. IOCC, in partnership with the UN World Food Program (WFP), is running a school kitchens program that provides healthy meals for students in public schools while engaging the community by providing a chance for students’ mothers to earn some income amid rising prices.

Mothers and public-school students across Lebanon benefit from IOCC’s school kitchens program, which provided healthy meals and snack amid economic crisis.

Amira (above, in blue, age 31) works at a school through the program, preparing sandwiches for the students. Her son, Dani, 8, is in second grade there. “I am very happy to be part of the program,” she said. “The income I make helps me with home some expenses in this difficult economic situation. The work schedule suits me, and I have the chance to be part of doing good for others.”

Students have told staff they enjoy the snacks provided by the IOCC program.

Charbel (above, age 9) wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. His favorite subject is mathematics, which he excels in and which he knows will help him pursue his dream. “My favorite snack is a hummus sandwich,” Charbel said, which he gets with a fruit or vegetable at his public school.

Sandwiches and fresh fruit and vegetables are staples in IOCC’s school kitchen program in public schools across Lebanon.

Joy (above, age 9) is also a third-grade student. She’d like to be a teacher when she grows up, and her favorite subjects are mathematics and Arabic. “A hummus sandwich with an apple or a cucumber … is my favorite snack at school,” Joy said. Like many other students, she relies on the food she gets from through the IOCC program, which is her only meal during school hours.

As economic crisis in Lebanon deepens, IOCC is working to protect the health and learning opportunities of children at school, while also providing a chance for adults to earn income that improves their lives at home.