WFP Unveils Eye-Opening October Report on Iran’s Food Security Challenges
The World Food Program (WFP) has recently published a detailed report highlighting its significant activities in Iran throughout October. The report emphasizes the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations, including Afghan and Iraqi refugees, and Iranian teachers. With a focus on food assistance and cash transfers, WFP’s initiatives aim to enhance the well-being of these communities.
In October, WFP food assistance reached 32,941 beneficiaries, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity. Here are some key highlights from the report:
- Food Assistance: Refugees received a staple food basket comprising fortified wheat flour (12 kg per person per month) and vegetable oil (810 ml per person per month).
- Cash Transfers: Adjustments to cash transfer values were confirmed by the Centre for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (CAFIA), with increased cash support to meet essential living costs. Households headed by men received IRR 5 million (approximately USD 7.1), while those headed by women received IRR 6 million (about USD 8.6).
- School Feeding Program: Funding shortages delayed the launch of WFP’s school feeding program. Procurement activities will commence once necessary contributions are secured.
- Support for Celiac Patients: WFP provided extra cash assistance of IRR 9.7 million (USD 13.9) per person to 53 refugee celiac patients, helping them meet their gluten-free dietary needs.
In October, WFP also launched the inspiring ‘Tastes of Iran’ campaign, celebrating the country’s rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity. This initiative invites individuals to share traditional recipes and engaging visuals, aiming to:
- Preserve food traditions
- Sparking creativity and innovation
- Connect communities through shared culinary experiences
Top entries from this campaign will be compiled into a digital book and showcased online, fostering a sense of community and shared memories.
Moreover, WFP provided additional support for refugees with disabilities, assisting 402 individuals across eleven settlements. Each recipient received an extra monthly cash support of IRR 3 million (USD 4.3) on top of their regular aid. The initiative, which started in two provinces, has expanded to include various settlements such as Saveh, Semnan, and Jahrom, among others.
To further enhance economic resilience, WFP supported 364 refugees (50 percent women) through income-generating initiatives in October. Activities included:
- Welding
- Tailoring
- Baking
- Farming
Looking ahead, WFP aims to provide a combination of in-kind and cash assistance to address the food needs of over 33,000 vulnerable refugees in Iran in 2024. This support has allowed 70 percent of beneficiaries to consume food at an acceptable level, remaining stable compared to the previous year.
Since August, WFP has successfully increased cash transfer entitlements by 25%, actively assisting in mitigating the immediate economic challenges faced by refugees. The organization has been present in Iran since 1987, primarily addressing the food security needs of refugees, mainly from Afghanistan. Over four decades, Iran has hosted a substantial number of refugees, many of whom are integrated into urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.
However, the most vulnerable refugees, particularly those living in 20 settlements across 13 provinces, continue to face precarious food security situations that necessitate ongoing humanitarian assistance from WFP. The organization has provided a range of support services, including:
- Food assistance
- Educational support
- Livelihood opportunities through in-kind food distributions and unconditional cash transfers
The economic challenges in Iran in recent years have severely impacted Afghan refugees, leading to reduced income opportunities and diminished purchasing power. This situation has adversely affected their food security and overall well-being, especially among those residing in settlements. In response, WFP has adjusted its Interim Country Strategic Plan (ICSP) for 2023-2027, modifying cash entitlements, food rations, and extending the ICSP duration by two years to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework.
WFP continues to implement activities under the ICSP to sustain its support for refugees and address their increasing humanitarian needs. Currently, around 35,000 vulnerable documented refugees are benefiting from WFP’s food assistance in Iran, ensuring they have access to essential food resources.
