Ramadan in Lebanon

Anera’s Response to Food Insecurity and Crisis

Ramadan in Lebanon arrives this year under the weight of economic collapse, rising poverty, security instability, and continued Israeli attacks on multiple areas across the country. For thousands of families, the holy month is no longer only a time of reflection and generosity. It is also a time of anxiety over how to secure daily meals.

As part of its Ramadan response in Lebanon, Anera distributed 12,000 food parcels reaching more than 55,000 individuals across the country. In the coming weeks, Anera will also organize four Eid al-Fitr events for around 800 children, offering moments of joy in communities that have endured years of hardship.

This intervention reflects a nationwide, multi-sector humanitarian response designed to meet urgent food needs and provide nutritious food, while restoring dignity and reassurance during a sacred time of year.

The Situation in Lebanon During Ramadan 2026

Lebanon’s financial and economic crisis continues to erode living standards. Unemployment remains high, public services are strained and many families are falling below the poverty line. Security tensions and ongoing Israeli strikes in the South and parts of the Bekaa have further destabilized already fragile communities.

Hussein Allaban, a project manager at Anera, explains the urgency:

“We are supporting vulnerable families across Lebanon, from all nationalities, who are struggling to meet their basic food needs this Ramadan. With rising prices, ongoing economic hardship, security instability and continued Israeli attacks on multiple locations in Lebanon, this year is significantly more difficult than previous Ramadans.”

He emphasizes that food assistance during Ramadan goes beyond nutrition:

“Food assistance is critical during the holy month, as it helps families maintain dignity and provides psychological relief from the stress of meeting daily needs. By starting distributions ahead of Ramadan, we aim to reassure families that they are not alone and ease the pressure of wondering how they will feed their families during this sacred time.”

A Nationwide Ramadan Food Distribution Across Lebanon

This year, Anera expanded its Ramadan food parcel distribution to reach all governorates across Lebanon, including the South, North, Akkar, Beirut, Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa.

Mohamad Kaddoura, our South, Beirut and Mount Lebanon area manager at Anera, describes the scale of need:

“This year, the situation is quite different. Through its food parcel distribution program, Anera is reaching all governorates across Lebanon. This expansion comes in response to growing needs caused by the financial and economic crisis, rising unemployment, and the recent war. It was essential for this project to support the most vulnerable families across the entire country.”

In the South, instability continues to disrupt livelihoods. Ongoing Israeli strikes have halted economic activity and pushed investments toward safer areas. Farmers, especially those dependent on olive and tobacco cultivation near the border, face severe risks. Many olive trees and fruit-bearing trees were destroyed during the war, farms were burned and saplings were cut down, compounding economic losses with psychological stress.

Kaddoura underscores why the intervention matters:

“By targeting those most in need, the program helps families meet their most basic needs, continue their lives with dignity, and secure the simplest rights every human being deserves.”

Bekaa: Winter, Poverty and Recovery from Airstrikes

In Central and West Bekaa, families are facing Ramadan during winter with limited income and rising costs.

Mahmoud Abdullah, the Bekaa area manager at Anera, explains:

“Ramadan is approaching during the winter, and these areas are already known for high levels of poverty and many vulnerable cases. Families are struggling with basic expenses like heating, which they cannot afford during the cold season, making it even more difficult to cover the additional costs of food during Ramadan.”

The Bekaa relies heavily on agriculture and seasonal tourism, both of which decline during winter. Vulnerable Lebanese families, Palestinian communities and Syrian refugees are all affected.

In North Bekaa, Anera has expanded into villages classified as red zones due to their exposure to Israeli attacks, including Janta, Hame, Maareboun and Yahfoufa. Heavily bombarded areas such as Bednayel, Chmastar, Beit Chama and Nabi Sheet are still recovering from destruction caused by airstrikes.

“These communities are still in recovery mode,” Abdullah says. “Many of the villages where we are working were heavily targeted by airstrikes. That is why our support in these locations is essential.”

Anera is also distributing around 400 food parcels in Palestinian camps in the Bekaa, where living conditions remain extremely difficult, especially following reduced services linked to UNRWA’s continued funding crisis.

North Lebanon and Akkar: Unemployment and Housing Crisis

In North Lebanon and Akkar, unemployment rates are among the highest in the country. Access to services remains limited, and traditional Ramadan funding for NGOs has declined.

Ziad Mekdadi, North and Akkar Area Manager at Anera, highlights the urgency:

“Ramadan distributions in North Akkar are extremely urgent. Families are under constant pressure and are increasingly forced to cut down on essentials.”

He notes that only days before Ramadan, few major interventions were visible on the ground except for Anera’s.

“Of course, we cannot reach everyone, but under these circumstances, providing even limited support is far better than doing nothing at all, especially given how urgent the needs have become.”

The recent collapse of two residential buildings in Tripoli added further strain, displacing families and exposing hundreds of unsafe buildings that require evacuation. The housing crisis has deepened vulnerabilities across the North.

Voices from the Families Receiving Support

Behind every food parcel is a family navigating hardship.

Kasri, 51, from Homs, Syria, arrived in Lebanon in 2013 and now works as a security guard in Joub Jannine. Married with three children, he struggles with daily expenses.

“With Ramadan approaching, these food parcels feel like a real blessing. They will ease some of the financial pressure on our family and give us a little comfort during such a difficult period.”

For Ibrahim, a 41 year old Lebanese father of four working in agriculture, winter brings near-zero income.

“We spend around $200 every month just on food and drinks, and this support eases a huge weight from our family.”

Fayad, 31, a Palestinian living in Qab Elias who recently lost his job and now works temporarily as a taxi driver, shares:

“Receiving this food parcel brings me immense relief and gratitude, as it reduces a significant burden on us during Ramadan.”

For elderly beneficiaries like Amina, 83, a Lebanese widow living alone, the gesture carries emotional meaning:

“This Ramadan food parcel feels like a gesture of love and kindness from Anera during the holy month, and it truly means a lot to me.”

Eid al-Fitr: Restoring Joy for 800 Children

Beyond food assistance, Anera, with its local partners, will organize multiple Eid al-Fitr events across Lebanon for around 800 children. In communities affected by war, poverty and displacement, these activities offer a rare opportunity for children to celebrate, play and experience joy.

In a context where families are focused on survival, creating space for childhood is itself an act of resilience.

A Comprehensive Humanitarian Response During Ramadan

Anera’s Ramadan response in Lebanon is not limited to distributing food parcels. It is a coordinated national effort that addresses food insecurity, economic instability, displacement and the psychological toll of prolonged crisis.

By delivering 12,000 food parcels before Ramadan and planning Eid activities for 800 children, Anera is helping families across Lebanon enter the holy month with dignity, reassurance and hope.