Food security for 60 poor Lebanese/Syrian families in North Beqaa

The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training LOST in collaboration with the US Mennonite Central Committee MCC launched the ‘food security’ project aimed at improving nutrition standards of the disadvantaged Lebanese and Syrian households residing in the North Beqaa region. The initiative seeks to create livelihoods generated from agriculture, to promote social integration and adaptation with the aggravated situation in the area. In this respect, LOST project manager, Omar Bayan pointed out that some 60 deprived families will benefit from the program during a period of three years through provision of cattle and livestock as well as the training of women on milk production and marketing techniques. Elaborating on the implementation of the project, he explained that the targeted families will be selected from the areas of Baalbaq, Bidnael, Al Ain and Hermel based on the following criteria: being Lebanese; most disadvantaged and needy; five and above family members; have children under 5 years old; provide a room or space for breeding livestock, and finally, that the women in the family pledge to keep and care for the sheep and lambs and attend relevant training workshops. Bayan also disclosed that 30% of women beneficiaries from training sessions will be Syrian refugees. (Al Mustaqbal, September 11, 2015)