Providing comfort food in the midst of the Iraq crisis

Aid convoys have begun to reach Iraqi's displaced by ongoing fighting between the Islamic State and government forces.

Members of the Yazidi religious minority who fled from violence in Mosul receive humanitarian aid near Dohuk city, northern Iraq (AAP)

Food aid convoys from the United Nations have reached displaced Iraqi’s in Karbala, southwest of Baghdad, bringing the total number to receive food aid since June to more than 700,000.

 

The Director of the UN World Food Program (WFP) in Iraq, Jane Pearce says, as well providing much needed nutrition, food also helps to fill an important emotional need for those fleeing the violence.

 

“Some of have been on the move for days. They have no clothes. The children have no shoes. And for them to arrive in a location and to be able to have something waiting for them to eat is always a huge relief,” she said.

 

Ms Pearce says she was able to convince her colleagues to include packets of dates in the immediate relief kits.

 

"Dates are the mashed potatoes of Iraq. They're comfort food. And against all the criticism of my colleagues, I slipped in a packet of dates to make sure they (Iraqis) had their comfort food."

 

The UN estimates as many as 1 million people have been displaced – as Islamic State militants continue their advance across Iraq.

 

Ms Pearce says right now, food supplies are plentiful, thanks in large part to a US$148.9 million contribution in July from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

However, access to all the affected families is difficult, and at times impossible, with many regions under the control of IS militants.

 

The WFP provides different kinds of food packages, depending on the situation of those fleeing. The largest parcels weigh up to 72 kilograms, and can feed a family of five for up to a month. They also distribute immediate relief packages – which last around three days, for families on the move.

 

They also work with local charities to operate pop-up kitchens, providing hot meals to those in need.

 

And Ms Pearce says the comfort of a hot meal can lift the spirits of people who find themselves suddenly face with horrendous circumstances.

 

"They feel that all of the sudden, now they are in a safe place. And that they have something that can, even momentarily, make them feel as if life is not all bad.”