Egypt's Rampant Inflation Squeezes Ramadan Charities
For Egypt, and four other nations in the Middle East-North Africa region, the holy month of Ramadan comes at a time when food inflation has topped 60 percent. In Cairo, photojournalist Hamada Elrasam captures a series of charity iftars, or fast-breaking dinners for lower-income worshippers, as higher food prices mean fewer servings and more hunger. Captions by Elle Kurancid.
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A daily charity iftar inside the historic Al-Azhar Mosque serves around five thousand meals to Egyptians and international university students. (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, Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Charity iftar organizers and volunteers say menus and portion sizes are smaller this year due to Egypt’s record food inflation, particularly on Ramadan staples like rice, chicken, meat, and fresh produce. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Islam, a father of three whose family has been grocers for decades, says, “The demand for tomatoes and potatoes is higher than other vegetables, because they're still affordable for charity iftars and vulnerable households.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)