In Photos: Food Inflation Squeezes Ramadan Charity Meals Serving Vulnerable Egyptians

A daily charity iftar inside the historic Al-Azhar Mosque serves around 5,000 meals to Egyptians and international university students, in Cairo, March 29, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

With Al-Azhar Mosque's charity iftar at capacity, hundreds gather outside for free juice and dates to break their 14-hour fast, in Cairo, March 28, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The charity iftar organizers and volunteers say menus and portion sizes are smaller this year because of Egypt's soaring food inflation, in Cairo, March 26, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Islam, a father of three whose family has been grocers for decades, is seen in Cairo, March 28, 2023. "The demand for tomatoes and potatoes is higher than other vegetables, because they're still affordable for charity iftars and vulnerable households," Islam says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA) 

This charity iftar cut fresh fruit and salads from their menu in order to serve more lower-income worshippers, in Cairo, March 26, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Youssef, whose business-owning family has put on charity iftars for 36 years, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "We usually serve pieces of meat, but this year, we're only offering rissoles [roasted meat with herbs and beans] so more people can eat," Youssef says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA) 

Ahmed, a chef and charity iftar volunteer, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "We're only cooking pasta because the price of rice is so high, and there wouldn't be enough servings for those in need," Ahmed says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA) 

Karem, a volunteer who, along with his son Mohamed, prepares about 250 daily iftar meals, is seen in Cairo, March 26, 2023. "We made 500 Ramadan meals a day last year. Today, we're lucky, though, since we received a donation of meat and rice," Karem says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA) 

Moksha, left, a poultry butcher, is seen in Cairo, March 28, 2023. "Last Ramadan, I sold around 500 kilograms of chicken each day — now, if I sell 100 kilograms, I would call myself lucky," Moksha said. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA) 

Mohamed, a taxi driver who often breaks his fast at charity iftars, is seen in Cairo, March 28, 2023. "In past years, you would see [a charity iftar] on every street corner, but now, you have to ask and look around the neighborhood," Mohamed says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)