Sudan’s life-saving community kitchens on verge of collapse, report warns

A vital network of community kitchens in Sudan, which has been a lifeline for millions amidst the ongoing civil war, is now on the brink of collapse, according to a report by Islamic Relief. These locally run kitchens, often the only source of food in conflict zones, are struggling due to severe funding shortages, volunteer exhaustion, and operational challenges. The crisis has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of USAID funding earlier this year, leaving the kitchens reliant on donations from the Sudanese diaspora. Volunteers describe the situation as dire, with many kitchens unable to guarantee daily meals due to financial instability and resource shortages. The Integrated Food Security Phase Network (IPC) has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, including the besieged cities of el-Fasher and Kadugli, where access to commercial supplies and humanitarian aid is severely restricted. Despite the efforts of Emergency Response Rooms, which have been praised for their innovative approach to crisis management, the scale of need often exceeds available resources. Volunteers face increasing dangers, including looting and violence, as they navigate the complexities of the conflict. The international community’s limited involvement has further strained the system, leaving many to fear that the collapse of these kitchens could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.