Manchester Unity & Reflection Iftar Evening

With food production devastated — 86% of cropland damaged and imports severely restricted — Gaza now relies heavily on humanitarian aid. AFH works with trusted local partners and vendors to source what’s available on the local market, ensuring meals can reach those who need them most. We review market conditions every month to adapt our plans, respond to price changes, and keep costs as low as possible.

Currently, skyrocketing food and packaging prices mean we’re focusing on rice-based meals in August — these are nutritious, cost-effective, and easier to package individually. In previous months, we provided more complex dishes such as stews, but current conditions make this challenging. Our priority is to keep hot meals flowing, even under the toughest circumstances.

Getting funds into Gaza is very challenging. Banks and ATMs are out of service, cash is limited, and private brokers charge high fees. Because of these conditions, AFH operates entirely through our registered office in the West Bank. Funds from the UK are transferred to our West Bank accounts, and all payments to Gaza suppliers or partners are made by bank transfer. Our Gaza staff receive salaries into their personal accounts and withdraw cash through authorised brokers. We do not make cash payments on the ground — this helps keep our operations secure and accountable.

In the first half of 2025, AFH distributed over 55,000 hot, ready-to-eat meal packs — each serving 3–4 people — to displaced families. During Ramadan, we reached more than 75,000 people with food parcels and communal meals. We also supported 6,954 people with fresh vegetable baskets, a rare but vital addition to diets under current conditions. Each meal is more than just nourishment, it’s a reminder that the world has not forgotten them.