EPISODE 6: New Tastes

Continue the conversation with Farida: “Did you produce your own food before?”

“I remember that when I opened the door at home, I could smell the plants in the garden. I could just pick the vegetables we needed from the plants. I mostly miss the smell of fresh cucumbers. In Syria we produced most vegetables ourselves. We would get fresh meat from our neighbors. We are really thankful for the food and drinks we get here in the camp. It nourishes us, but it will never be the same as home.”

How do you get food in Za’atari?

“We receive food vouchers for 20 Jordan Dollar per person. We are 9, so in total we receive 180 Jordan Dollar per month. It is a challenge to buy enough food with this amount. Sometimes we do not have enough to have 3 meals per day. Yet the system of vouchers is very good, it allows us to choose which food we want to buy.”

What is your preferred dish?

“I dream to be able to cook mansaf for my children, just like before. Mansaf is a dish with lamb meat, yoghurt and rice. My own preferred dish is stuffed wine leaves. It would be fantastic if I could cook wine leaves from our own garden again…”

You don’t just eat to survive

Every family needs food to survive, to stay healthy. In addition to this, food also plays an important role in family life. Just like in other parts of the world, in the Middle East a meal is also a moment during the day where families come together and discuss events of the day.

This is how a voucher system works

Together with the World Food Programme (WFP), UNHCR is working with a voucher system for food in Za’atari refugee camp. The voucher system allows families like Farida’s to decide themselves what they want to eat. This does not only ensure that they have sufficient food, but it also allows them to be independent and lead a ‘normal’ life where they make their own choices.