For Egypt, and four other nations in the Middle East-North Africa region, the holy month of Ramadan comes at a time when food inflation has topped 60 percent. In Cairo, photojournalist Hamada Elrasam captures a series of charity iftars, or fast-breaking dinners for lower-income worshippers, as higher food prices mean fewer servings and more hunger. Captions by Elle Kurancid.
Egypt's Rampant Inflation Squeezes Ramadan Charities
A daily charity iftar inside the historic Al-Azhar Mosque serves around five thousand meals to Egyptians and international university students. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
With Al-Azhar Mosque’s charity iftar at capacity, hundreds gather outside for free juice and dates to break their 14-hour fast, Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Charity iftar organizers and volunteers say menus and portion sizes are smaller this year due to Egypt’s record food inflation, particularly on Ramadan staples like rice, chicken, meat, and fresh produce. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Islam, a father of three whose family has been grocers for decades, says, “The demand for tomatoes and potatoes is higher than other vegetables, because they're still affordable for charity iftars and vulnerable households.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
This charity iftar cut fresh fruit and salads from their menu in order to serve more lower-income worshippers, Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Youssef, whose business-owning family has put on charity iftars for 36 years, says, “We usually serve pieces of meat, but this year, we’re only offering rissoles [roasted meat with herbs and beans] so more people can eat.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Ahmed, a chef and charity iftar volunteer, says, “We’re only cooking pasta because the price of rice is so high, and there wouldn’t be enough servings for those in need.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Karem, a volunteer who, along with his son Mohamed, prepares about 250 daily iftar meals, says, “We made 500 Ramadan meals a day last year. Today, we’re lucky, though, since we received a donation of meat and rice.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Moksha (left), a poultry butcher, says, “Last Ramadan, I sold around 500 kilograms of chicken each day — now, if I sell 100 kilograms, I would call myself lucky.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
Mohamed, a taxi driver who often breaks his fast at charity iftars, says, “In past years, you would see [a charity iftar] on every street corner, but now, you have to ask and look around the neighborhood.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)