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Syria

A Hunger and Refugee Crisis

Fourteen years of conflict have driven hunger to critical levels in Syria. Economic collapse and earthquakes have compounded the already dire humanitarian emergency.

Fighting Hunger With Innovation

Iris Scans

Cash, vouchers and e-cards can be lost, stolen, or forged, putting recipients at risk. This technology allows Syrian refugees to safely purchase food from camp supermarkets using a scan of their eye instead.

A convoy of trucks with WFP and UNICEF flags

Truck Convoys

WFP’s trucks reach hungry families in need, carrying hundreds of thousands of pounds of lifesaving food. The trucks carry large bags of food, nutritional supplements and other supplies to hard-to-reach communities.

Bakeries

Bread is a staple food and a powerful cultural symbol in Syria and a cornerstone of WFP’s response. By supplying fortified wheat flour to bakeries, WFP ensures affordable bread for families facing extreme hunger. 

Greenhouses

Greenhouses are being rebuilt and farmers have been provided with tomato seeds and irrigation kits, as well as with food rations to get through the lean season before their tomato harvests are complete.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan

Over 460,000 Syrians are registered with UNHCR in Jordan. Most of them are either hungry or teetering on the edge of food insecurity.

You can make a difference. By understanding issues, learning how to civically engage, and joining the movement to end global hunger for good.

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boy riding bicycle on dusty road in refugee camp
Make a difference in Syria

Hunger Stats

Syria remains one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with 7 million people internally displaced and another 6 million refugees. Recent surges in violence have displaced thousands more people and pushed communities deeper into hunger. After years of conflict, the people of Syria need peace.

War and Disasters Drive Hunger

Dec 2024
In December 2024, armed opposition captured cities including Damascus and the government was overthrown. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, worsening an already dire food security situation. WFP immediately scaled up its emergency food assistance programs to reach 2.8 million displaced and food-insecure people across Syria.
Feb 6, 2023
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits northwest Syria where 4.1 million people survive almost entirely on humanitarian aid. The region is largely inaccessible due to destroyed infrastructure and harsh winter weather. WFP is delivering hot and ready-to-eat meals to families affected by the earthquake.
Mar 2022
After 11 years of conflict, Syrian families are being forced to choose between buying food, fuel or medicine. Basic meals were already beyond their reach when war erupted in Ukraine, triggering a collateral wave of hunger and driving up food prices. Despite the challenges, WFP distributes lifesaving food to 5.6 million people every month. This assistance includes 1.3 million people in the northwest via the cross-border operation from Turkey.
Mar 2021
After a decade of conflict, the situation is the worst it’s ever been. 12.4 million Syrians are hungry, and 6.7 million people are displaced within their country’s borders. With the number of COVID-19 cases and food prices rising, families are struggling to survive each day. In January, WFP reached nearly 5 million people with lifesaving food, and ramped up support for vulnerable mothers and children.
Dec 2019
Escalating levels of conflict displaced nearly 1 million people across northwest Syria starting in early December. It was the largest wave of displacement in nearly nine years of conflict. More than 80% of the displaced were women and children. In February, WFP scaled up its work in the area to reach 626,000 people with monthly food rations and another 487,000 newly displaced people with ready-to-eat rations that can feed a family of five for one week.
Mar 1, 2011
Protests erupt in Syria and the government responds with suppression. Opposition groups form and the Syrian civil war begins.

How WFP Is Supporting Syrians

The World Food Programme (WFP) reaches Syria’s most vulnerable families with the food they need to survive hunger. Every month, we reach 1.5 million people with food assistance, nutrition programs and school meals.
Boy holding WFP food assistance
Emergency Food
WFP does whatever it takes to reach people in Syria with lifesaving food assistance. WFP provides families with foods like rice, beans, oil and wheat to prevent them from slipping further into severe levels of hunger.
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young girl eating nutritional bar
Nutritional Support
WFP helps kids to get the best possible start in life and supports pregnant and nursing mothers to prevent and fight malnutrition. We provide over 300,000 children under 2 and women with nutrient-rich foods.
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boy studying at a desk in classroom
School Meals
WFP provides 460,000 schoolchildren with fortified date bars, fresh meals and cash-based assistance. School meals are an essential safety net that provide children with the nutrition they need.
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Latest News From Syria

  • Blog
  • December 12, 2024

What’s Happening in Syria? How the Civil War Is Worsening Hunger Among Civilians 
WFP food assistance in Syria
  • News Release
  • December 12, 2024

WFP Scales up Food Aid Distributions in Crisis-Hit Syria

Lebanese and Syrians flee into war-torn Syria
  • Blog
  • October 17, 2024

Tens of Thousands Fleeing Conflict in Lebanon Face an Uncertain Future in Syria

Woman carries box of food
  • News Release
  • March 14, 2023

Half of Syria’s Population Faces Hunger as Conflict Passes 12-Year Milestone and Earthquakes Deepen Economic Woes

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