For Egypt, and four other nations in the Middle East-North Africa region, the holy month of Ramadan comes as food inflation has topped 60%. In Cairo, photojournalist Hamada Elrasam captures a series of charity iftars, or fast-breaking dinners for poorer worshippers hit by higher food prices. Captions by Elle Kurancid.
In Photos: Food Inflation Squeezes Ramadan Charity Meals Serving Vulnerable Egyptians
- By Hamada Elsaram
- Elle Kurancid
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A daily charity iftar inside the historic Al-Azhar Mosque serves around 5,000 meals to Egyptians and international university students, in Cairo, March 29, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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With Al-Azhar Mosque's charity iftar at capacity, hundreds gather outside for free juice and dates to break their 14-hour fast, in Cairo, March 28, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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The charity iftar organizers and volunteers say menus and portion sizes are smaller this year because of Egypt's soaring food inflation, in Cairo, March 26, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Islam, a father of three whose family has been grocers for decades, is seen in Cairo, March 28, 2023. "The demand for tomatoes and potatoes is higher than other vegetables, because they're still affordable for charity iftars and vulnerable households," Islam says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)