King Salman Center inaugurates central kitchen in Gaza to produce 24,000 meals
In a significant humanitarian initiative aimed at alleviating the food crisis in the Gaza Strip, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center the central kitchen in the Strip, as part of the ongoing efforts of the Saudi popular campaign to aid the Palestinian people. This project, undertaken in fruitful cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, will serve as a vital pillar of food security under the current circumstances.
Project details and production capacity
This ambitious project aims to establish and operate a fully equipped central kitchen adhering to the highest health standards, with a production capacity of up to 24,000 hot meals daily . Intensive distribution is planned to begin at the start of Ramadan 1447 AH, with the project targeting the production and distribution of a total of 3,600,000 meals. This aid will cover the needs of displaced and affected families across the Gaza Strip, including the north, center, and south, ensuring that support reaches those in need in all affected areas.
The context of the humanitarian crisis and the Saudi role
The inauguration of this kitchen comes at a time when the Gaza Strip is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history. According to Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the Center, more than 90% of the Strip's population suffers from severe food insecurity as a result of forced displacement and shortages of supplies. Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been at the forefront of providing aid to its Palestinian brothers and sisters. This initiative is an extension of the air and sea bridges established by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them – which have included the deployment of more than 80 aircraft and dozens of relief ships.
Economic and social impact of the project
The importance of this project extends beyond direct relief efforts to encompass developmental and economic dimensions within the Gaza Strip. The central kitchen relies on local resources , contributing to the local economic activity. The project also provides employment opportunities for 40 residents of the Strip, boosting the income of beneficiary families and empowering them to become more resilient. This approach ensures the sustainability of relief work, transforming it from mere in-kind assistance into a comprehensive support system that enhances the dignity of beneficiaries and engages them in the humanitarian response process.
Continued commitment despite the challenges
Dr. Al-Rabeeah affirmed that the center continues to provide support despite all logistical and field challenges, noting that the central kitchen is one of the largest food projects currently underway. The project is distinguished by its ability to provide hot, balanced meals for more than 36,000 individuals simultaneously when needed, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, to ensure they receive the necessary nutrition amidst shortages of basic supplies.
The general supervisor concluded his statement by praying that God protect the Kingdom and its leadership, and that He lift the affliction from the brotherly Palestinian people, stressing that this inauguration is a living embodiment of the Kingdom’s humanitarian message that places human beings and their dignity above all considerations.
