Egypt has launched an ambitious nationwide social protection initiative aimed at feeding vulnerable families during the month of Ramadan, targeting over 71 million hot meals and 5.5 million food boxes, officials announced.
The programme, known as “Abwab Al-Khair” (Gates of Benevolence), is organized under the Tahya Misr Fund in coordination with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and seeks to alleviate the financial burden on low-income households while fostering social cohesion across the country.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the initiative at People’s Square in the New Administrative Capital, emphasizing that the programme represents “comprehensive social protection” rather than mere charity. He stated that the effort reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and supporting citizens during the holy month. “Feeding is not passing charity, but comprehensive social protection,” Madbouly said.
The “Abwab Al-Khair” initiative will provide 5.5 million food boxes through continuous distribution convoys reaching all governorates. Of the targeted meals, 4 million will be prepared directly by the Tahya Misr Fund and the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s “Mahrousa” kitchens, while an additional 60 million meals will be delivered through a network of 286 private-sector partners and 657 “Ahl Al-Khair” distribution points across the nation.
Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy highlighted that the programme prioritizes support for the most vulnerable families through partnerships with civil society organizations and private-sector actors. Tamer Abdel Fattah, Executive Director of the Tahya Misr Fund, added that the fund will contribute 3 million dry food boxes as well as hundreds of tonnes of poultry and meat to complement the hot meal distribution.
The initiative’s reach is wide-ranging, targeting specific communities and vulnerable groups. The National Alliance for Civil Development Work, through its “Athar Al-Khair” initiative, plans to serve 14 million beneficiaries via 250 charity tables and 150 kitchens. The Egyptian Red Crescent, under its “Helal Al-Khair” campaign, aims to reach 6.5 million beneficiaries, including Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and will operate humanitarian kitchens in Al-Arish, Rafah, and Sheikh Zuweid.
In the New Administrative Capital, a dedicated distribution outlet has been opened to provide 9,000 food boxes to government staff working in security, maintenance, and auxiliary services. Other targeted aid measures include 15,000 boxes for female breadwinners coordinated by the National Council for Women, 13,000 boxes for social workers, and 8,000 boxes allocated to the village of Humaithara in the Red Sea governorate. Additionally, the Fund for Supporting Civil Society Projects will distribute 40,000 boxes to 36,000 families living in alternative housing projects and to families of individuals affected by the conflict in Gaza.
The initiative underscores a model of cooperation between the government, national funds, and civil society organizations. Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized that the programme ensures that “no one is left behind,” reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusivity and social protection during the holy month of Ramadan.
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Officials noted that this initiative builds on Egypt’s broader social safety net efforts and is designed to be sustainable and scalable. By combining hot meal distribution, food boxes, and targeted aid for vulnerable demographics, the government aims to mitigate hunger, reduce economic pressures on low-income households, and enhance the resilience of the population during the peak festive period.
The launch event brought together senior government officials, including the ministers of Local Development, Social Solidarity, Supply, Endowments, and Agriculture, as well as the governors of Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia. The coordinated effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to leveraging national resources, partnerships, and logistics networks to reach millions of Egyptians across urban and rural areas.
With Ramadan marking a period of heightened charitable activity and community solidarity, Egypt’s “Abwab Al-Khair” programme represents a landmark social protection initiative. By delivering 71 million meals and 5.5 million food boxes nationwide, the government hopes to set a benchmark for coordinated humanitarian assistance and strengthen food security while promoting dignity and social inclusion for all citizens.
