Gaza City — Every day when Mervat Radwan hears that the community kitchen at her displacement camp will serve lunch, a sense of relief washes over her. Alongside her six-year-old nephew, Ubay, she walks to the kitchen, which has become a crucial part of her family’s survival in challenging times.
Radwan’s household comprises seven individuals, and the meals from the community kitchen often fall short of meeting their needs. To supplement the kitchen’s offerings, she often relies on canned tuna, beans, or peas from aid packages to stretch their limited resources further.
The importance of community kitchens has been pronounced in Gaza, particularly for families grappling with reduced income. However, operations at these vital kitchens have fluctuated significantly in recent months. A kitchen nearby Radwan’s site was closed for nearly two months and has only recently expanded services to two days a week. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported a substantial decline in meal production—from about 1.5 million meals distributed through 165 kitchens in mid-March to just 698,000 meals by July, serviced by 102 kitchens. This decline has been attributed to severe funding shortages and escalating operational costs, compounding the challenges faced by charitable organizations in securing food and cooking supplies.
Radwan, 45, stepped into the role of caregiver for her three nephews after an Israeli airstrike tragically claimed the lives of her brother, Mohammad, and his wife, Anwar, along with their one-year-old son, Yosuf, in October 2024. The resilience of the family shines through as they navigate life in a tent in Deir el-Balah, alongside Radwan’s elderly father and her sister, Sanaa. With no regular income, the family depends greatly on charity and aid to meet their daily needs.
The psychological impact of their loss resonates deeply within the family, further compounded by the lack of essential supplies. In moments of scarcity, the adults often prioritize the children’s nutritional needs, with Radwan stating that her elderly father refuses to eat until he knows his grandchildren are fed.
Access to fresh vegetables has become a significant concern for Radwan, who strives to include them in the children’s diets despite the escalating prices. For Habib, one of the children recovering from health issues, a nutrient-rich diet is crucial. Yet, the financial strain makes essential foods like cucumbers and tomatoes a rare luxury, with prices that challenge the family’s limited budget.
As the food crisis intensifies in Gaza, reports indicate that around 77% of households are struggling to secure fresh produce and protein due to financial constraints. This limited access to nutritious food is taking a toll on the children’s health, exemplified by Habib’s ongoing battle with kidney stones, which physicians attribute to a diet predominantly composed of canned goods.
For families like the Radwans, the support from charitable organizations offers a glimmer of hope, allowing them to endure another day. However, the lack of dietary diversity poses a significant health risk, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address food security in the region.
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