Algerian charity feeding 100s daily at Ramadan feast

The holy month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayers and benevolence for Muslims is underway around the world.

In Algeria, charity activities have gained momentum for the less fortunate.

A group of women, who are volunteer members for a Non-Profit Organization- Dir al khir Wensah, spend hours in the kitchen to prepare the evening meals, which are served at a local restaurant where everyone is welcome.

“It’s for the poor and the not so poor, people who can’t get home in time (for Ramadan), the students, and African and Syrian refugees, I mean for all people, not only for the Algerians,” said Leila, leader of the organization.

She said during this month, the prices of food hike, making it even more difficult for low income households to afford.

“There are more people (who come for meals) because life became more expensive and people can’t afford that anymore. We don’t only provide food to people who eat here, there are some people who take their meals home because they can’t afford all these expenses.”

Rows and rows of tables are set in a restaurant which lent its space for free. The charity says the number of people who come for meals during the holy month doubles every year.

This year volunteers say they’re serving more than 250 meals a day.

The culture of sharing is ingrained in Algeria. Other citizens host soup kitchens, give takeaway meals and more than anything invite those typically marginalized to the ‘Ramadan table’.

Reuters