For thousands of families across Jordan, putting food on the table has become an increasing daily struggle. Rising food prices and economic hardship continue to push vulnerable communities toward food insecurity as inflation and regional instability place pressure across the country. While Jordan has made progress in education and health care hunger remains a serious challenge for low-income families, refugees and children. Everything to know about hunger in Jordan begins with understanding how economic hardship and displacement continue to increase demand for humanitarian aid across the country.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 3 million people in Jordan have required humanitarian assistance since 2024. The country also hosts the second-largest number of refugees per capita worldwide. According to the WFP, around 77% of these refugees face food insecurity in Jordan. Refugees from Syria, Iraq and Palestine continue to increase pressure on food systems and public services. Rising food prices have also made basic necessities harder to afford for Jordanian families living below the poverty line.

Why Hunger in Jordan Continues

Several economic and environmental factors contribute to rising hunger in Jordan. Jordan ranks among the world’s most water-scarce countries in the world which limits agricultural production and increases dependence on imported food. The World Bank reported that food inflation and unemployment have especially affected young people and low-income households in recent years.

The Syrian refugee population in Jordan especially faces severe food insecurity. Jordan hosts more than 427,000 registered Syrian refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Many refugee families struggle to secure stable employment and thus rely on food aid to survive.

Organizations Fighting Hunger on The Ground

Several organizations continue to address hunger in Jordan through food assistance and development programs. The WFP launched one of the country’s largest food assistance programs providing monthly cash-based food support to vulnerable Jordanians and refugees. In 2023 alone the organization assisted more than 1.7 million people in Jordan.

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization also works with local and international partners to distribute food parcels and emergency aid across the country. During Ramadan campaigns and emergency response efforts, the organization reaches thousands of families facing food insecurity.

Tikeyet Um Ali has become one of Jordan’s leading anti-hunger nonprofit organizations. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has provided sustainable monthly food support to thousands of families living in extreme poverty. Tikeyet Um Ali also runs awareness campaigns and community programs aimed at reducing hunger nationwide. Everything to know about hunger in Jordan especially includes recognizing the role local nonprofits play in creating long-term support systems for vulnerable families.

Looking Ahead

Although hunger in Jordan remains a major issue humanitarian organizations and local initiatives continue to provide critical support for vulnerable communities. These organizations continue expanding programs that provide emergency meals, nutritional support and financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and unemployed households across Jordan. Increased international aid, stronger economic opportunities and sustainable food programs could help reduce food insecurity in the years ahead. Everything to know about hunger in Jordan points toward one reality: long-term investment and community-based solutions remain essential in the fight against hunger.

– Masa Qasim

Masa is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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