Assistance through Shelters during Emergencies

How is WFP responding to the current emergency in Lebanon?

Considering the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon which amplified existing needs and vulnerabilities, WFP is providing different types of food assistance that vary between Ready-to-Eat (RTE) rations, hot and cold meals, bread, as well as dry food rations, for all nationalities.

Who will receive assistance?

WFP, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Food Security Sector, is selecting official shelters and providing assistance accordingly to the ones selected. For this emergency assistance, families will not need to submit an application, undergo an assessment, or be subject to any selection process based on specific criteria.

I am a displaced NPTP/ESSN beneficiary, am I eligible to benefit from WFP food assistance that is currently being provided?

WFP will not consider any selection criteria to distribute the assistance, therefor, any family inside one of the official shelters can benefit from the distributed assistance.

I am a regular beneficiary in the in-kind program and now I am displaced. Will I be invited to receive my regular food parcel? 

All the families receiving the regular in-kind assistance have been asked through a SMS from WPF, to update their location. Following that, they will be invited to the closest distribution, if the situation allows.

What kind of assistance is provided by WFP in response to the current emergency?

WFP will provide assistance to families in the selected shelters regardless of their eligibility in any WFP programme. For this emergency assistance, families will not need to submit an application, undergo an assessment, or be subject to any selection process based on specific criteria.

How do I know what type of assistance I will be receiving?

WFP will be coordinating with the shelter focal point on the type of assistance they will receive in the shelter and the date of distribution. Therefore, all families will be required to coordinate with the shelter focal point on any WFP distribution and assistance.

Can I get more details about the hot/cold meals’ operation?

WFP is collaborating with its cooperating partners to contract kitchens to provide nutritionally adequate hot or cold meals to the selected official shelters. The kitchens will be managed by WFP CPs and the meals distribution will be in collaboration with the shelter focal points.

How can I receive the bread that is part of the ration? Will there be separate distributions of bread as needed?

WFP will primarily provide assistance in the officially designated collective shelters identified in collaboration with MoSA and the DRR, depending on resource availability. Any updates will be communicated and disseminated as necessary.

I am a community stakeholder/municipality or volunteer, and I want to request that shelters in my area to be covered with WFP food assistance. What is the process?

WFP coordinates with MoSA,  the Food Security Sector, the Disaster Risk Management, and governors on the split of the shelters between the different actors. It would be great if you can ask the shelter focal person to reach out to the Disaster Risk Management.

Will there be any additional food assistance after the initial distribution?

WFP continues to assess the situation and may provide further food assistance based on the needs of the displaced population. We advise you to keep in touch with your shelter management for updates. 

I have a concern that WFP’s assistance is not being distributed equally to affected populations or that assistance is being taken by stakeholders. 

For any concerns on who the assistance is being distributed, you can contact WFP’s call center on 1526, from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

I have a complaint about the quality of food distributed by WFP.

WFP is keen to maintain a high-quality food standard in the provision of its food assistance and we are looking into receiving feedback from the communities to serve and assess their levels of satisfaction. For any concerns on the quality of food being distributed, you can contact WFP’s call center on 1526, from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

I have been mistreated by WFP or partner humanitarian staff in the collective shelter; how can I report this?

WFP has zero tolerance to any discriminatory, exploitative, or undignified acts and attitudes by staff or partners against the people we serve. Beneficiaries have the right to report any concern of mistreatment or misconduct by WFP staff and partners. Reports will not affect your assistance status and will be treated with confidentiality. Feel free to communicate to WFP through call center 1526, feedback email (feedback.lebanon@wfp.org) or trusted WFP staff in the field. 

Can WFP provide me with infant formula for my child?

WFP does not distribute any type of milk in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Breastfeeding is considered the ideal food for children under age 2, especially during emergencies, where hygiene practices are not optimal and sustainable milk access cannot be guaranteed. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is encouraged, meaning that infants should receive only breast milk (no other foods or liquids) during this time. After six months, infants should receive nutritious complementary foods along with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond for optimal infant health and development.  

I think my child is malnourished and I need food and cash assistance

Signs of malnutrition include sudden weight loss/fatigue/irritability/swollen belly/dry, thinning hair/ is not growing well. If you think your child under the age of 5 might be suffering from malnutrition, it’s important to seek help promptly. You can visit your nearest Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) to assess the nutritional status of your child and provide him with the relevant treatment if needed.