Sharjah Charity International has launched the first phase of its annual Ramadan campaign, delivering food baskets to around 25,000 beneficiaries across the emirate as part of its “Jood” initiative. The programme, which marks the opening of the charity’s seasonal relief work, is aimed at supporting low-income families, widows, orphans, and individuals facing financial hardship during the fasting month.The food basket distribution began at the start of Ramadan and is being rolled out through a coordinated network of warehouses, field teams and volunteers. Each basket contains essential staples designed to meet the basic nutritional needs of families throughout the month, including rice, flour, cooking oil, sugar, dates and other non-perishable items commonly used in daily meals. The charity said the contents were selected to ensure both sufficiency and cultural suitability for households observing Ramadan.
Officials involved in the programme said the campaign reflects a growing emphasis on structured, needs-based aid rather than one-off donations. Beneficiary lists were prepared in advance using verified social welfare data and community outreach, with priority given to households experiencing sustained income pressure. Distribution points have been spread across Sharjah’s cities and suburban areas to reduce travel burdens for recipients and to ensure timely access to supplies.
The Ramadan campaign operates under the broader “Jood” framework, which the organisation uses each year to consolidate its seasonal charitable activities. Alongside food assistance, the programme typically includes support for zakat distribution, iftar meals, and targeted financial aid, although the food basket project is positioned as the opening and most extensive component. Charity officials said launching with food security allows families to allocate limited cash resources to other essential expenses such as rent, utilities and healthcare.
Logistics planning has been a central focus this year, with the charity expanding storage capacity and streamlining transport routes to handle higher volumes. Volunteers have been deployed in shifts to manage packing, quality checks and delivery, while digital tracking systems are being used to monitor distribution progress and avoid duplication. The organisation said these measures were introduced to improve transparency and operational efficiency, particularly as demand for assistance continues to rise.
Community participation remains a key element of the campaign. Local donors, businesses and philanthropists have contributed funds and in-kind support, enabling the charity to scale up the number of baskets distributed. Corporate contributions have included bulk food supplies and logistical assistance, while individual donors have supported the programme through targeted Ramadan contributions. The charity noted that predictable donor engagement has helped stabilise planning and reduce last-minute procurement pressures.
Sharjah Charity International has also placed emphasis on maintaining dignity and privacy for beneficiaries. Distribution teams have been instructed to avoid public queuing where possible, opting instead for scheduled pick-ups or direct deliveries in coordination with community representatives. This approach, officials said, aligns with broader charitable best practices that prioritise respect and discretion alongside material support.
The food basket initiative comes amid wider discussions in the non-profit sector about the sustainability of seasonal aid models. While Ramadan campaigns traditionally account for a significant share of annual charitable giving, organisations are increasingly seeking to link short-term relief with longer-term support mechanisms. In this context, the charity has indicated that data gathered during the Ramadan distribution will inform future assistance programmes, including education aid and healthcare support later in the year.
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