The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a new electronic system called “FoodCards” to allow refugee families to choose the food they want and need in Nayapara and Kutupalong refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar.
FoodCards are electronic vouchers loaded with a monthly amount of Tk730 per person and can be used to select food items from special shops opened within the camps. It replaces the previous food distribution system, which provided a basic food basket to families.
Each family now has a FoodCard with their entitlement loaded on a monthly basis. Up to three family members can use the card in combination with their biometric fingerprint, which is registered to their card alone.
With the assistance of the Bangladesh government and the UNHCR, and a $1.5m donation from USAID’s “Food for Peace” programme, the WFP is now providing food assistance to over 32,000 refugees of the camps.
“FoodCards give refugee families the opportunity to choose the food they prefer, including fresh foods, such as leafy vegetables,” said Christa Räder, WFP Representative in Bangladesh, while visiting Kutupalong camp on Saturday.
“In addition to providing refugees with access to a wider range of nutritious food items, the new system will enhance monitoring and help ensure the most effective use of resources for the refugees,” said Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan, the refugee relief and repatriation commissioner of the government.
Ushida, a refugee living at Kutupalong camp, visited one of the new shops with her family FoodCard for the first time on Saturday.
“I feel so happy,” she said. “I was able to get fresh chillies, potatoes, and onions.”