WFP received a contribution worth US$725,000 to support Sahrawi refugees

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a contribution of 350 metric tons of dates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worth US$725,000 which will help support Sahrawi refugees living in camps in Algeria.

Distribution started during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when thousands of Sahrawi refugees received two kilos of dates per refugee. Dates are a traditional food for the breaking of the fast and, over recent years, have been donated by Saudi Arabia for distribution in the refugee camps in Algeria.

“WFP is thankful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud as well as the Saudi Arabian people for their generous contribution,” said Sirois. “Dates are very nutritious, help diversify diet and cover the food and nutritional requirements of thousands of Sahrawi refugees in Algeria. They are especially appreciated during the holy month of Ramadan.”

Saudi Arabia is an important donor to WFP in Algeria, contributing US$5.7 million since 2010. Since 2008, Saudi Arabia has contributed more than US$1.5 billion to WFP operations around the world.

Original source: WFP
Published on 21 June 2019