What Would You Do?

The food boxes we have been delivering to Syrian refugees over the past few months contain just enough food to keep people alive--oil, beans, rice, lentils, etc.

This is a one-month's supply for a family of five.

In addition, each person registered in Jordan as a refugee has been receiving a monthly food voucher from the World Food Programme (WFP) for $14.  With this little bit of extra money the people we serve are able to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables and meat in the local markets.

In Jordan there are approximately 440,000 refugees who are scattered around the country, not living in the refugee camps.  Our food boxes feed about 6,400 of these people. Many other charities and NGO's help out, but it's impossible to feed them all.

Last month we received notice from the World Food Programme that they will no longer be providing food vouchers to refugees living outside of organized camps effective August 1.  They are out of money.  From now on the only people receiving food will be the ones living inside of organized camps.  Many refugees refuse to go there.

Why won't they go?  Concerns for their safety?  Fear of losing their freedom?  Drugs and prostitution?  We don't know the "real" answers.  It may not be easy but at least they have a choice.  We don't know what we would do.