The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received its first-ever in-kind rice donation from the Government of the Republic of Korea to support vulnerable families and schoolchildren in Lebanon. The contribution totals 864 metric tons of Korean rice and will bolster two major WFP initiatives: food assistance for economically vulnerable households and take-home rations for students under the national school meals programme.
Through WFP’s emergency food assistance, rice will be included in monthly food parcels distributed nationwide, reaching an estimated 27,000 households—around 108,000 people—from January to August 2026. At the same time, public school students will receive take-home rations that also benefit their families, supporting 54,000 households, or 216,000 people, over two months from January to February 2026. This support aims to help families manage rising food costs during a period of economic strain.
WFP Representative and Country Director Matthew Hollingworth expressed gratitude for Korea’s contribution, emphasizing that such support is vital as Lebanon continues to face the combined effects of conflict, economic decline, regional instability, and soaring food prices. With one in four people experiencing crisis-level food insecurity, WFP is working with institutions, partners, and donors to ensure access to essential food while strengthening community resilience.
Korean Ambassador H.E. Gyusuk Geon highlighted Korea’s commitment to supporting Lebanese families and schoolchildren during challenging times. He noted that the rice donation reflects Korea’s broader dedication to promoting food security and stability in Lebanon. The Republic of Korea remains a strong global partner of WFP, contributing consistently to efforts aimed at reducing hunger and supporting vulnerable communities.
