Egypt aims to provide more than 71 million hot meals and distribute over 5.5 million food boxes to vulnerable families nationwide during the month of Ramadan, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at the launch of the “Abwab Al-Khair” (Gates of Benevolence) presidential initiative at the People’s Square in the New Administrative Capital, Madbouly stated that the programme represents a “comprehensive social protection” effort designed to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. The Tahya Misr Fund organises the initiative in coordination with the Ministry of Social Solidarity.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the initiative includes the distribution of 5.5 million food boxes via continuous convoys to all governorates. This involves 4 million hot meals prepared by the Tahya Misr Fund and the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s “Mahrousa” kitchens. An additional 60 million meals will be provided through a network of 286 partners and 657 “Ahl Al-Khair” distribution points across the country.
“The value of ‘Abwab Al-Khair’ lies not only in the volume of aid but in its governing philosophy,” Madbouly said. “Feeding is not passing charity, but comprehensive social protection.”
Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy said the government’s priorities remain focused on supporting the most vulnerable families through integrated partnerships with civil society and the private sector. Tamer Abdel Fattah, Executive Director of the Tahya Misr Fund, added that the fund will contribute 3 million dry food boxes and hundreds of tonnes of poultry and meat to support the meal programme.
The initiative’s scope extends to various demographics and regions:
- The National Alliance for Civil Development Work:Through the “Athar Al-Khair” initiative, the alliance targets14 million beneficiaries, operating 250 charity tables and 150 kitchens.
- The Egyptian Red Crescent:Under the “Helal Al-Khair” campaign, the organisation aims to reach 6.5 million beneficiaries, including providing meals to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and operating humanitarian kitchens in Al-Arish, Rafah, and Sheikh Zuweid.
- New Administrative Capital:A distribution outlet has been opened to provide 9,000 food boxes to security, maintenance, and auxiliary service staff within the government district.
- Specific Targeted Aid:The National Council for Women will distribute 15,000 boxes to female breadwinners, while 13,000 boxes are allocated for social workers. Additionally, 8,000 boxes will be sent to the village of Humaithara in the Red Sea governorate.
- Alternative Housing:The Fund for Supporting Civil Society Projects will distribute 40,000 boxes to 36,000 families living in alternative housing projects and families of the injured or deceased from Gaza.
Madbouly concluded that the initiative represents a model of cooperation between the government, national funds, and civil society, stating that the state aims to ensure “no one is left behind.”
The launch event was attended by the ministers of Local Development, Social Solidarity, Supply, Endowments, and Agriculture, alongside the governors of Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia.
