Image Source: Muslim Aid
Local – Islamic Relief South Africa has announced its annual Ramadan food program, aiming to provide critical support to vulnerable families struggling with food insecurity as the holy month approaches.
The initiative comes at a time when rising food costs and high unemployment rates have left many South African households unable to afford necessities.
The program, part of Islamic Relief’s longest-running global initiative, will distribute food packs to families most affected by economic hardship.
In 2026, the organisation aims to reach over 1.18 million people across 33 countries and distribute more than 222,000 food packs worldwide.
In South Africa, the program targets families who will struggle to sustain themselves throughout Ramadan. Economic pressures on vulnerable households have intensified, with many facing the painful reality of empty cupboards as the holy month approaches.
IRSA Communications Representative Shannon Correia said the program addresses a desperate need among households living on unstable or informal incomes. She described how economic pressure has left many families wondering how they will manage to break their fast each evening.
“Many families in South Africa are living on unstable or informal income, and food costs continue to rise. By the time Ramadan arrives, cupboards are already bare. For fasting families, especially the elderly, children, and female-headed households, the stress of not knowing how they’ll break their fast can be overwhelming,” Correia said.
What Each Pack Contains
Each Ramadan food pack is designed to meet local needs and provide families with nutritious staples they can use throughout the month. The contents allow families to prepare proper suhoor and iftar meals at home.
“Depending on the province, it includes staple foods like maise meal, rice, and samp, oats, lentils, and tinned fish, cooking oil, sugar, salt, and flour. And then peanut butter, jam, soup mix, and tea,” Correia said.
Spiritual Significance and How to Help
Sponsoring a family in South Africa costs R1,250, which provides enough food for the entire month. The program reflects Ramadan’s core values of compassion and community support, drawing on Islamic teachings about helping those in need.
Correia said the initiative does more than provide practical assistance. By reducing hunger and easing financial stress, the program allows struggling families to focus on worship rather than survival during this sacred month.
“Whoever helps a fasting person break their fast shares in that reward. So when somebody gives a Ramadan food pack, they are sharing in that reward but also easing real hardship for others.”
Donors can contribute through the Islamic Relief website, either as individuals, families, or through workplace and community groups.
