SHIFT- BML: Support amp; Humanitarian Intervention with food technology in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
Providing ready-to-eat meals for vulnerable persons with disabilities in the BML region ltpgtshareQ's project aims to address the challenges of food security for vulnerable households, particularly those with disabilities, in Lebanon. Moreover, institutions providing assistance to PWDs and vulnerable households in Lebanon encounter significant barriers due to the economic crisis and decreasing support from the Ministry of Health (MOPH) regarding medical and physiotherapy needs for PWDs, as well as reduced support from MOSA (Ministry of Social Affairs) on social and educational levels.ltbrgtTo address these challenges, shareQ's project focuses on providing vacuum meals to households of PWDs and households facing acute financial challenges. These meals are prepared using a circular economy approach, sourcing ingredients locally from farmers and cooperatives. The vacuum packaging helps maintain the meals' quality and extends their shelf life, allowing for efficient distribution and reducing food waste. These meals are carefully designed to meet nutritional requirements, supporting the cognitive abilities and overall well-being of persons with disabilities and vulnerable households, leading to improved concentration, enhanced performance, and fostering a better quality of life.ltbrgtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtThe distribution modality of shareQ's project adopts a dual approach:ltbrgt-      Distribution in collaboration with institutions in need for food support based on a blanket approach that covers all beneficiaries in institutions including persons with disabilities or beneficiaries in acute financial challenges:ltbrgt· SESOBEL: (195 PWDs)ltbrgt· Pere Roberts: (120 PWDs or facing acute financial challenges)ltbrgt· AL Younbou3 (80 PWDs). Foi et Lumiere (10 PWDs)ltbrgt· NUSANED: (shareQ will collaborate with NUSANED to provide complementary services for households of persons with disabilities in BML)ltbrgt· LCD Lebanese Center for the Deaf (40 PWDs)ltbrgt. School For Blind (145 PWDs)ltbrgt. FAID  The Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf in action (90 PWDs)ltbrgt. Anta Akhi (40 PWDs)ltbrgt. SSVP: Societe Saint Vincent de Paul (50 PWDS)lt/pgtltpgtltbrgt- Direct household distribution based on the LHF Food security vulnerability questionnaire: shareQ uses the questionnaire to identify and deliver vacuum meals directly to vulnerable households. These assessments consider factors like economic status, access to services, health, age, gender, and disability, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most, increasing efficiency, and accountability.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtConsidering our previous experience in food security and collaborations with institution, the program is planned to provide:ltbrgt1200 beneficiaries (considering 240 households, given that each household has an average of 5 beneficiaries) referred from institutions in a blanket approach where meals will be delivered in institution and to households of beneficiaries.ltbrgt1200 beneficiaries will receive meals in a household (door to door) approach based on ProAbled network and databases.ltbrgtIn addition, shareQ have a large pool of beneficiaries especially of persons with disabilities within the region of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Based on database analysis, these beneficiaries have high need for food security among their householdsltbrgtThe project is expected to start at the first of September 2023 until the end of August 2024. Vacuum meals' extended shelf life allows for providing several days' worth of meals in the same distribution batch, optimizing efficiency. Transportation will be taking into consideration refrigeration and food safety measures.ltbrgtshareQ will be signing MOUs with the institutions willing to collaborate under this project.ltbrgtThrough this well-designed intervention and distribution strategy, shareQ aims to alleviate the burden of food security for PWDs and their households.ltbrgtlt/pgt