Winterization support to vulnerable people in Sholgareh district of Balkh province through in-kind food distribution ltpgtIn the year 2023, Afghanistan has experienced extreme economic shocks, resulting in a humanitarian crisis affecting over 28.8 million individuals. This crisis has led to a significant decrease in household stability, with a 15% reduction in households’ monthly income. The country's humanitarian situation is currently dire, with expectations of exacerbation during the impending winter season. The winter period, coinciding with the lean season in most regions of Afghanistan, traditionally witnesses a deterioration of food security conditions. Projections indicate that the number of individuals falling into the categories of Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) is expected to increase to 19.1 million.ltbrgtIn Balkh province specifically, the severity of the situation has escalated in 2023, with 1,230,000 people, equivalent to 60% of the province's population, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. Approximately 55% of the population in this province is categorized as IPC 3+, indicating severe food insecurity. The Food Consumption Score (FCS) in the province is alarmingly low, with 49% of HHs classified as poor or borderline in FCS, and 66% identified as HHs heavily reliant on coping mechanisms. The monthly average income per HH in this region amounts to 5,762 AFN, while the expenditure required to meet basic needs is significantly higher at 7,292 AFN per month, resulting in a monthly deficit of 1,530 AFN per HH per month. Moreover, 55% of HHs are burdened with debt, and 28% of HHs are facing an Emergency-level Livelihood Coping Strategies Index (LCSI), indicating substantial challenges in accessing essential livelihood resources. A significant barrier to market access is the high cost of food, affecting 38% of the population.ltbrgtIn alignment with the FSAC priority in ICCT winter prioritization for 2023 and the specific objective 1.2 of the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), the Hand in Hand Afghanistan Organization (HIHAO) aims to mitigate the impact of the anticipated harsh winter and prevent further deterioration of food security conditions. HIHAO intends to provide in-kind food assistance to 3,775 HHs, totaling 26,425 individuals, in the Sholgareh district of Balkh province, which is classified as IPC phase 3+ according to May-Oct 2023 IPC data. This project will be implemented over five months in the targeted district.ltbrgtThe assistance package, in accordance with the 1st SA 2023 strategy and Balkh province's IPC phase 3 classification, will consist of 50% of the standard FSAC in-kind food package. This package includes 50 kg of wheat flour, 4 kg of red beans, 4 liters of vegetable oil, and 0.5 kg of cooking salt. Each package is valued at $37.5 USD (based on FSAC allocation) and aims to provide 1,050 Kcal per person per day. The distribution of food packages will be based on the population ratio in the respective district's villages directly benefiting from this assistance during three regular months throughout the winter period. This include 6% female headed HHs and about 20% HHs with at lease one member with disability.ltbrgtIn total, 11,325 food packages will be distributed from November 2023 to January 2024. HIHAO will conduct a baseline assessment to identify households with the lowest Food Consumption Scores (FCS) for project inclusion. The decision to provide in-kind food assistance is driven by the province's high proportion of poor households (49%) and their heavy reliance on coping strategies (66%). The reported inability to access markets due to high food prices, affecting 38% of households, underscores the critical need for food support. Through this initiative, HIHAO Afghanistan seeks to aid the vulnerable populations in Sholgareh district of Balkh province by facilitating access to quality and nutritious food, enhancing food security, and promoting healthy dietary habits.ltbrgtlt/pgt