Cairo: The Ministry of Social Solidarity continues its development and welfare programs to support residents of developed urban areas-the state-sanctioned alternatives to informal settlements. As part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable families, more than 15,000 meals were distributed to residents of these housing projects during the first half of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Shady Salem, a consultant to the Ministry of Social Solidarity, explained that the distribution covered the Al-Mahrousa, Ma'an, and Ahaleena areas. The meals were prepared in the Ahaleena kitchen in Obour, a central facility affiliated with the Fund for Supporting Projects of Associations and NGOs. This kitchen is part of the "Al-Mahrousa Kitchens" initiative launched in January last year, which aims to provide high-standard, freshly cooked daily meals through a nationwide network of central kitchens.

Salem emphasized that these efforts are designed to provide integrated services and social protection for residents of alternative housing projects, fulfilling the state's commitment to ensuring a dignified life for all citizens. During the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry-in partnership with the Fund for Supporting Projects of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations, the Ministry of Religious Endowments, the Tahya Misr Fund, the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, the Egyptian Red Crescent, and various civil society organizations-aims to provide over 70 million hot meals and distribute more than 5.5 million food boxes.

These goals will be achieved through several major initiatives, most notably the "Abwab Al-Khair" (Doors of Goodness) presidential initiative. Other key contributors include the Ministry's dedicated restaurants, distribution points, and the "Ahl Al-Khair" (People of Goodness) network, which operates across Egypt in cooperation with the Ministry of Religious Endowments and various NGOs.