Background
The Roma community continues to face significant challenges like poverty, discrimination, and limited access to services, leading to food insecurity. The ongoing exclusion, substandard housing conditions and multiple forms of discrimination makes it even harder to integrate and provide quality and nutritious meals to their families. The Jewish community, particularly the elderly, also faces food security difficulties due to economic hardship. The aging Jewish population has specific needs, including healthcare, economic support, and combating social isolation.
The Project
The Project aims to address food insecurity by providing hot meals, take-home food rations, and nutritional support. The initiative will build local capacity, engage youth volunteers and raise awareness about food security in collaboration with local partners in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Key Activities
- Food Security
The project provides hot meals and take-home food rations, including kosher options for elderly Jewish individuals. Food distribution points are set up in vulnerable communities, and home deliveries are organized for those with mobility challenges. Nutritional education is offered to Roma families, and local organizations help ensure support reaches those most at risk. - Volunteer and Community Engagement
A youth volunteer club is established to focus on food security topics. Exchange visits between Roma and Jewish youth promote cultural and educational partnerships. Additionally, one to two national or regional events are organized to foster broader engagement around food security. - Development and Awareness
OlamAid runs visibility campaigns and hosts regional events and conferences to raise awareness of food insecurity, mental well-being, and minority inclusion across the Balkans. - Capacity Building
The project supports local organizations not only with food provision but also through training in mental health and child protection services. Empowerment workshops are held for partners and volunteers to strengthen long-term, community-led food security efforts.
