The Egyptian Food Bank is developing a digital access strategy to support eligible families.

The Egyptian Food Bank, a member of the National Alliance for Community Development Action, has outlined a strategy to reach eligible families across the Republic through a digital system. This initiative marks a significant step in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to provide food assistance to those in need.

Established in 2004, the Egyptian Food Bank was the first non-governmental development institution in the region to specialize in providing healthy food to the needy. Over the past 22 years, the Bank has supported the most vulnerable families in Egypt, addressing the challenges of accessing sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Mohsen Sarhan, the Executive Chairman of the Food Bank, emphasized that the Bank is “owned by the Egyptian people.” This perspective has shaped the Bank’s mission, shifting the focus from merely “coming together” to “alleviating the effects of hunger.” The Bank’s approach reflects a commitment to practical neighbor-love and mercy work, aligning with the call to care for the vulnerable.

Regarding the food card system, Sarhan noted that the Bank has significantly reduced its reliance on it due to its ability to offer more effective and humane assistance. However, the food card remains an essential tool for reaching families in remote areas. The Bank has been implementing a digital food support strategy through 610 affiliated supermarkets, expanding its reach at the provincial level.

The digital system operates by granting points to eligible families through coded telephone messages. These points can be redeemed for food commodities at participating supermarkets. Sarhan confirmed that the Bank’s coverage extends to 100% of 27 provinces, demonstrating a broad and inclusive approach to food assistance.

The Bank’s strategy is built on four main areas: direct food assistance, relief and rapid intervention, and a prevention center focused on maternal and child health. Direct assistance targets families of mothers, the disabled, the elderly, students, expatriates, and communities. Relief and rapid intervention account for 75% of the Bank’s budget, highlighting its priority in addressing immediate needs.

The prevention center works with mothers and children through early pregnancy intervention and provides nourishing meals in nurseries managed by the Ministry of Social Solidarity. These meals are carefully prepared from whole grain flour and fortified with vitamins and minerals, ensuring nutritional support for young children.

Through these initiatives, the Egyptian Food Bank continues to serve as a model of practical mercy and community care, reflecting the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and provide for those in need.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)