Food Insecurity Crisis:  Food Assistance for the Most Vulnerable Populations in BNS ltpgtltbrgtTo combat malnutrition and reduce the risks of food insecurity in Blue Nile State (BNS), Samaritan’s Purse will develop an integrated Food Security, Agriculture, Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention in accordance with the SHF Reserve Allocation Strategy for food insecurity/famine. The proposed intervention aims to prevent malnutrition in targeted communities by providing activities that augment food supply, boost agricultural production, and mitigate WASH-related diseases. This will be achieved through integrated and community-based Health/Nutrition and WASH messaging and services, addressing factors that are contributors to malnutrition. The intervention will be integrated within Samaritan’s Purse’s ongoing WASH, Nutrition, Health, and Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) projects in the hard-to-reach areas of BNS in order to maximize impact while avoiding duplication. The project will follow a layered approach with all commodities and services being provided to the same 5,000 internally displaced person (IDP) households (HHs) in BNS to optimize the fulfilment of beneficiaries’ needs. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtMainstreaming Conflict Sensitivity: In recognition that even the best intended intervention implemented within a conflict-affected environment is likely to interact with that conflict and/or consequences of such, Samaritan's Purse plans to ensure that all stakeholders (i.e., SRRA and other civic authorities, host community members, and IDPs, among others) are kept engaged and aware of the project cycle operations. This will be done in a way that allows program ownership by the affected populations and also provide avenues for them to participate meaningfully in decisions and actions that will affect them. Samaritan’s Purse worked closely with SRRA and local authorities in identifying and targeting the areas to prioritize for this program, including staffing to minimize both inter-personal and inter-communal conflicts. By fostering good relationships and communication with the appropriate and necessary authorities, Samaritan’s Purse has managed to gain safe and secure access to the project areas, for both staff and supply movement to project sites. Samaritan’s Purse will continually monitor the general and security situation in the region through consultations with community leaders and the SRRA in order to ensure that the safety of beneficiaries and staff is maintained. This will also ensure that there is no negative impact on the intervention and that beneficiaries are reached. If there is a security risk, Samaritan’s Purse will stop project implementation in the affected area, in order to maintain beneficiary and staff safety, and continuously monitor the security situation in that area. Project activities will only resume once an all clear is given by the community leadership and SRRA.ltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtConflict Sensitivity: BNSnbsphas been affected by protracted conflict, including intercommunal violence, political tensions, and historical grievances. The complex interplay of ethnic, political and economic dynamics exacerbates competition over land, scarce resources and power. Historical marginalization and perceived injustices fuel grievances among various ethnic groups, contributing to cycles of violence and instability. However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for social cohesion through community engagement by involving local communities in decision making and program implementation.nbspltbrgtlt/pgt