Kingdom backs UN program to feed Ukraine war victims

$10 million donation from KSrelief will provide 50 million meals to orphanages and hospitals

The Saudi humanitarian aid agency KSrelief has contributed $10 million to the UN World Food Programme to supply meals to tens of thousands of vulnerable Ukrainians suffering because of the war with Russia.

The Kingdom’s donation will provide 50 million meals in 1,200 institutions supported by the UN agency such as orphanages, hospitals and shelters for internally displaced people. Many of these institutions have faced increased strain and budget shortfalls because of the war and massive internal displacement. “We’re grateful that KSrelief chose to support a vital component of our emergency programs in Ukraine, which provide relief to the most vulnerable Ukrainians while also strengthening the local institutions and organizations that care for them,” said Marianne Ward, the World Food Programme’s country director in Ukraine.

Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief ’s assistant supervisor general of planning and development, said: “We are pleased to be part of this important emergency program to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected population in Ukraine.

“KSrelief humanitarian assistance will provide lifesaving food assistance to the most vulnerable communities throughout the country.”

The contribution will enable the UN agency to procure and deliver about 7,600 tonnes of food staples, including flour, pasta, buckwheat, oatmeal, peas, sugar and oil — all of which are bought inside Ukraine to support the local economy and food systems. These commodities are complemented by other food bought directly by the institutions to prepare nutritious daily meals for residents and people under their care.

Over the next six months, the UN agency plans to provide food assistance to 210,000 vulnerable

Ukrainians through its institutional feeding program. The KSrelief contribution will cover about 67 percent of the program’s needs, supporting 140,000 Ukrainians.