Beirut: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the receipt of an in-kind rice contribution from the Government of the Republic of Korea, marking a significant aid effort to support vulnerable families and schoolchildren across Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the donation of 864 metric tons of Korean rice will bolster two of WFP Lebanon's main initiatives: providing in-kind food assistance to economically vulnerable families and offering take-home rations for schoolchildren as part of the national school meals programme. This contribution is set to impact approximately 27,000 households - around 108,000 individuals - over eight months, from January to August 2026.
In addition to family assistance, the WFP's school meals programme will distribute rice to children in public schools, indirectly benefiting their families. This aspect of the initiative will support 54,000 households, equating to 216,000 people, over a two-month period from January to February 2026, aiming to alleviate the burden of rising food costs.
"We are grateful for this first-ever in-kind contribution from the Republic of Korea. WFP cannot confront Lebanon's overlapping crises and the uncertainty they bring without the strong and predictable support of partners like the Republic of Korea," stated Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lebanon. He emphasized the importance of such support in ensuring that basic food needs are met amidst a challenging funding environment.
Lebanon is grappling with multiple challenges, including the aftermath of conflict, economic decline, regional instability, and high food prices, leading to one in four people experiencing crisis-level food insecurity. WFP collaborates closely with national institutions, partners, and donors to address these issues and reinforce local systems and community resilience.
H.E. Gyusuk Geon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon, expressed Korea's commitment to supporting Lebanese families and schoolchildren during these difficult times. "By providing this in-kind contribution of rice, we aim to help ease the pressure on vulnerable households and strengthen food security," he said. This collaboration highlights Korea's ongoing dedication to aiding Lebanon on its journey towards stability and resilience.
The Republic of Korea is a consistent partner of WFP globally and in Lebanon, contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing food security. The United Nations World Food Programme remains the world's largest humanitarian organization, focused on saving lives during emergencies and using food assistance to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in areas affected by conflict, disasters, and climate change.