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Lebanon

Mary’s Meals serves more than 1,400 children every school day in Lebanon

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Where we work

An update from our partner following the escalating conflict in Lebanon

Life in Lebanon

Lebanon is currently ranked 112 out of 191 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI) and faces serious economic, political and financial challenges.

World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that a quarter of Lebanon’s population are refugees – the world's highest refugee presence per capita. Currently around a million refugees from Syria are in Lebanon having fled from the conflict in their home country. Lebanon is also home to more than half a million people seeking refuge from conflict in Palestine. 

Rising food prices and a sharp increase in food insecurity hit the country when the Lebanese pound plummeted in value between 2019 and June 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic, and the Port of Beirut explosion in August 2020 exacerbated the worry of hunger for most Lebanese families and almost the entire refugee population. 

The challenging environment forces many families to prioritise basic needs, such as healthcare or food, over education for their children. 

It is estimated that over 700,000 children are out of school. Teachers are struggling to survive on salaries that have been hugely affected by inflation and many schools have been left without sufficient fuel, electricity and water.

a group of children holding up paper signs that combine to show Mary's Meals latest feeding figure

Mary's Meals in Lebanon

Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in Lebanon since 2016.

Working with a trusted partner organisation, Dorcas, we are reaching children in areas around Beirut, where there is a large refugee population. This includes children attending school in Antelias, children at a community centre in the Aley District of Mount Lebanon, and children at an informal education centre located in the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee settlement.

Lebanese children attend lessons alongside Syrian refugee children, and mothers from both communities volunteer to prepare the shared meal, helping to break down barriers and build relationships.

We are currently providing more than 1,400 children in Lebanon with a meal every school day. 

Related Articles

Plates stacked ready for serving time

A Political and Economic Crisis in Lebanon

Lebanon is currently gripped by a severe political and economic crisis. These challenges have resulted in widespread poverty and hunger, with many in the country struggling to obtain even basic necessities. Find out more.
 Read more about A Political and Economic Crisis in Lebanon
Plates stacked ready for serving time

Statement from Mary’s Meals following the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon

The office of Dorcas – our dedicated programme partner in Lebanon – sustained some damage during the explosion at Beirut port on the evening of Tuesday, 4 August. Thankfully, no staff were injured and the team was able to return to the office on 7 August, once repairs had been safely carried out.
 Read more about Statement from Mary’s Meals following the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon
When did we start working in Lebanon?

We have been working in Lebanon since 2016.

How many children do we feed in Lebanon?

We are currently feeding more than 1,400 children.

What meal do we provide?

A sandwich wrap and a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable.

Where are we based/where do we operate?

Our work in Lebanon focuses on areas around Beirut with a high refugee population. We work with a trusted partner organisation, Dorcas, to deliver the programme.

What is the capital of Lebanon?

The capital city of Lebanon is Beirut.

What language(s) are spoken in Lebanon?

The main language spoken in Lebanon is Arabic, often spoken in a variety of dialects

What currency is used in Lebanon?

The Lebanese Pound (LBP).

What is the population of Lebanon?

The population of Lebanon is 5,426,000.