In response to the ongoing economic instability and increasing food insecurity, Apportion Relief Foundation (ARF) continued its mission of alleviating hunger with the Ramadan 2024 Ration Distribution Program. Building on the success of the 2023 initiative, this year’s program was conducted in two phases, distributing over 600 food packages to underprivileged families in Lahore during the holy month of Ramadan. With inflation and rising food costs severely impacting low-income households, this program provided much-needed relief to vulnerable families struggling to afford basic necessities.

Objective of the Program:

The primary goal of the 2024 Ration Distribution Program was to combat hunger and ensure food security for impoverished families during Ramadan. ARF sought to:

• Provide essential nutrition to over 600 deserving families.
• Promote well-being among economically vulnerable communities.
• Foster a sense of community support and compassion during the sacred month.

Program Details:

Distribution Process: The program was executed in two phases:

• Phase 1: Over 300 food packages were distributed in 12 March 2024.
• Phase 2: Another 300 packages were distributed in late March, ahead of Ramadan’s peak.

ARF worked with local stores and volunteers to prepare the food packages. To ensure fairness, families were issued unique-coded coupons, and beneficiary lists were maintained with detailed information to ensure aid reached the most deserving.

Food Package Contents: Each package contained essential food items, similar to last year, with additions to meet rising demands. The packages included:

• Wheat Atta: 5kg
• Banaspati Ghee: 2kg
• Sugar: 2kg
• Supreme Rice: 2kg
• Sharbat (Ruh Afzah): 500ml
• Daal Chana: 1kg
• Besan: 1kg
• Daal Masur: 1kg
• Tea: 250g
• Salt: 1kg
• Red Chili Powder: 250g
• Turmeric: 250g
• Dates: 500g
• Savaiyan (Vermicelli): 500g
• Daal Mash: 1kg

These packages helped families maintain a balanced and nutritious diet throughout Ramadan.

Volunteer and Community Engagement:

ARF’s volunteers once again played a crucial role in organizing, packing, and distributing the food packages. This year, the distribution events also included the participation of notable guests such as the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Director Admin of Minhaj University, further raising the program’s profile and fostering community involvement.

Economic Impact:

With worsening economic conditions in 2024, the initiative provided immense relief by saving families from the escalating costs of basic food items. Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude, acknowledging that the program helped ease their financial burdens, allowing them to focus on spiritual matters during Ramadan.

Media and Donor Engagement:

ARF maintained transparency by providing regular updates on social media and through direct reports to donors. Local media coverage, including from City 42, raised awareness about the ongoing efforts, ensuring continued support from donors. This transparency helped build trust and encouraged greater public participation.

Conclusion:

ARF’s 2024 Ramadan Ration Distribution Program was a significant success, reaching over 600 families in Lahore and providing critical relief amid rising food costs and economic instability. By offering essential food supplies, the initiative not only alleviated hunger but also created a sense of hope and unity in the community. ARF remains committed to expanding its efforts and addressing food insecurity in the most vulnerable populations.