· Yalla Nour Team
When Soldiers Serve, Their Families Should Not Go Hungry
As the war in Lebanon intensifies, thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Among them are the families of the Lebanese Army Forces (LAF) - men and women who serve and protect the country, now facing displacement themselves.
In the coastal town of Damour, a public school has opened its doors to provide emergency shelter. Classrooms that once held students are now filled with families seeking refuge from the violence.
Volunteers and soldiers preparing food together
Soldiers and community volunteers work side by side to prepare hot meals for displaced families in Damour.
A Community Kitchen Born of Crisis
In response to this urgent need, the local NGO Damouras has mobilized once again - just as it did during the last war - to establish a community kitchen that prepares and distributes hot meals every day for the displaced families.
For many of these families, these meals are more than food. They are a reminder that they are not alone.
Children of LAF families helping pack meal trays
Even the youngest members of the community pitch in - daughters of LAF soldiers help pack meal trays at the community kitchen.
Every Meal Is an Act of Solidarity
The kitchen runs on donations. Volunteers - including the soldiers' own family members - wake up early every morning to prepare Lebanese home cooking: fasoulia, fattoush, marquq bread, and fresh salads. The kind of food that tastes like home, even when home is a school gymnasium.
Volunteers preparing Lebanese flatbread and food packages
Volunteers prepare traditional Lebanese flatbread (marquq) and food packages for distribution.
The Numbers Behind the Need
Lebanon's poverty rate has exceeded 80%. A soldier's monthly salary, which once provided a dignified living, now barely covers a week of groceries. Displaced LAF families have lost their homes, their communities, and their support networks - all while their loved ones remain on duty, unable to be with them.
Rows of meal trays being filled for distribution
Hundreds of meal trays are prepared and filled each day at the Damour community kitchen.
Your Support Goes Directly to the Kitchen
Your donation through Yalla Nour will go directly toward:
- Sustaining the community kitchen's daily operations
- Purchasing essential food supplies - rice, legumes, oil, bread
- Helping care for the children of LAF families now sheltering in Damour's schools
Completed food packages ready for distribution
Completed food packages, ready to be distributed to displaced LAF families.
A Message to the Diaspora
At a time when they have sacrificed so much for their country, we have an opportunity to stand beside them.
If you are Lebanese-American, you likely know someone who served in the LAF. You know the pride that comes with that service. You know the sacrifice. This campaign is our way of honoring it - by making sure the families of those who serve are not left behind.
Together, we stand by those who stand for Lebanon.
Yalla Nour is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.