The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Every year on October 16, the world observes World Food Day, a reminder that the fight against hunger depends on shared effort. In Egypt, where economic challenges and rising food prices have put pressure on millions of households, the day highlights a growing network of organisations working to bridge the gap between surplus and need. Here are some of the most trusted food donation initiatives in Egypt, along with information on how you can get involved.

The Egyptian Food Bank (EFB)

Founded in 2006, the Egyptian Food Bank is the nation’s leading hunger relief organisation. It distributes millions of food boxes and cooked meals annually while running a food rescue programme that collects surplus meals from hotels and restaurants. EFB also provides school meals and awareness campaigns about reducing food waste. You can donate through their website, via Vodafone Cash, Fawry, or bank transfers, or volunteer in packaging and delivery drives.

Misr El Kheir Foundation

The Misr El Kheir Foundation focuses on sustainable feeding initiatives such as “Feeding a Family” and “Redemption Buffalo,” which provide nutritious meat and food boxes to remote and vulnerable areas. During Eid al-Adha, it leads large-scale meat distribution campaigns that reach thousands of families nationwide. Donations can be made through this link or by calling 16140, where contributors can sponsor a family or support ongoing food drives.

Resala Charity Organisation

Resala operates community kitchens and organises seasonal food box distributions through its nationwide branches. Its volunteers prepare and deliver daily meals to elderly citizens, labourers, and families in need. The organisation also collaborates with supermarkets for in-store donation campaigns, turning local participation into a powerful movement. Donations and volunteering opportunities are available through Resala’s website or at local Resala branches across Egypt.

Ghaith Foundation

Ghaith Foundation for Community Development is a registered Egyptian NGO (Reg. No. 1081) that provides integrated support for families in need, with a strong focus on food aid. Through its initiative “Mutfakh Ghaith” (Ghaith Kitchen), the foundation prepares and distributes freshly cooked meals to low-income families year-round.

It also runs the “Adhaytak Farhatuhum” programme, which ensures that Qurbani meat reaches impoverished households during Eid al-Adha, and organises large-scale iftar distributions during Ramadan across various governorates.

Beyond food donations, Ghaith facilitates contributions from Egyptians abroad through online channels, allowing the diaspora to support local families directly. For more information and donation options, please visit their website.

ShareTheMeal by the UN World Food Programme

For those who prefer to give through technology, ShareTheMeal is a UN WFP app that allows anyone to donate a meal with a single tap. Each contribution helps feed a person in need in Egypt or other crisis zones. The app provides real-time transparency on where donations go and how many meals are funded. Download ShareTheMeal from the App Store or Google Play to start sharing meals instantly.