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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This charity iftar cut fresh fruit and salads from their menu in order to serve more lower-income worshippers, in Cairo, March 26, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
![Youssef, whose business-owning family has put on charity iftars for 36 years, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "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," Youssef says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA) ](https://gdb.voanews.com/01000000-0aff-0242-83f1-08db320ec642_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Youssef, whose business-owning family has put on charity iftars for 36 years, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "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," Youssef says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Ahmed, a chef and charity iftar volunteer, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "We're only cooking pasta because the price of rice is so high, and there wouldn't be enough servings for those in need," Ahmed says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Karem, a volunteer who, along with his son Mohamed, prepares about 250 daily iftar meals, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "We made 500 Ramadan meals a day last year. Today, we're lucky, though, since we received a donation of meat and rice," Karem says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)