Lmst

#FoodIsLife

Chemical exposure from ultra-#ProcessedFoods may contribute to health issues

Shannon Kelleher, May 16, 2025

"Toxic synthetic chemicals that migrate into ultra-processed foods from packaging, processing equipment and other sources may explain why these foods are so bad for our health, according to a new review article.

"In addition to the foods’ poor nutritional value, these chemicals represent an 'underappreciated and understudied' explanation for the link between ultra-processed foods and health problems such as obesity and other chronic diseases, the authors conclude in the article, published Friday in the journal Nature Medicine.

" 'The more (ultra-)processed a foodstuff, the greater its burden of synthetic chemicals generally is,; the authors wrote.

"Ultra-processed foods such as #candies, #HotDogs and #PackagedSoups are industrially made and contain many added ingredients not found in home kitchens, such as #stabilizers and added colors and flavors.

"Thousands of harmful substances including #bisphenols (such as #BPA), #phthalates, #microplastics (tiny plastic particles) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (#PFAS) can leach into industrially produced foods during production, as well as from containers in which the foods are stored and while heating them up before they are eaten, according to the article. Emerging research suggests that even the 'normal and intended use' of plastic materials that come into contact with foods along their journey to our plates can contaminate these products, the authors wrote.

"Research increasingly shows that some of the same synthetic chemicals found in ultra-processed foods, as well as drinking water and other sources, are prevalent in our bodies. About 98% of the US population has PFAS in their blood, while microplastics and even smaller plastic particles (nanoplastics) accumulate in 'just about every portion of your body…no organ is spared, really,' Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan, director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Case Western Reserve University, said during a May 15 webinar hosted by the group Beyond Plastics. Plastic particles have been found in everything from the placenta to the brain, lungs and heart, he said.

"In a 2024 study, Rajagopalan and colleagues found a link between microplastics in the arteries and risks for heart attacks and strokes.

" 'The particles looked quite nasty,' he said. 'They were jagged particles with sharp edges, very similar to cholesterol.' "

#ProcessedFood #PlasticFoodContainers #PlasticWrap #Preservatives #FoodSafety #ToxicChemicals #FoodIsLife #FoodDeserts #GrowYourOwn #CommunityGardens #EatFresh #DowChemical

54 people killed in overnight airstrikes on southern #Gaza city, hospital says

By MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH and TIA GOLDENBERG
Updated 8:23 AM EDT, May 15, 2025

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — "Multiple airstrikes hit Gaza’s southern city of #KhanYounis overnight into Thursday, killing more than 50 people in a second consecutive night of heavy bombing, while another airstrike in the north of the #Palestinian territory left more than a dozen people dead, authorities said.

"The strikes come as U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Middle East, visiting Gulf states but not Israel. There had been widespread hope that Trump’s regional visit could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month.

"An Associated Press cameraman in Khan Younis counted 10 airstrikes on the city overnight into Thursday, and saw numerous bodies taken to the morgue in the city’s Nasser Hospital. It took time to identify some of the bodies due to the extent of their injuries. The hospital’s morgue confirmed 54 people had been killed.

"The dead included a #journalist working for Qatari television network Al Araby TV, the network announced on social media, saying Hasan Samour had been killed along with 11 members of his family in one of the strikes in Khan Younis.

"The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes.

"It was the second night of heavy bombing, after airstrikes Wednesday on northern and southern Gaza killed at least 70 people, including almost two dozen children.

"Another strike in #Jabaliya in northern Gaza hit a complex including a mosque and a small medical clinic, killing 13 people, said the Civil Defense, a first responder agency operating under Gaza’s Hamas-run government."

#NorthGaza #FreePalestine #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on May 14, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Overnight, #Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 #Palestinians, bombing near #ChefFaten’s neighborhood. It shook us all—not just because we feared for her safety, but because we know and love so many in that community. Our grief is constant, our worry never-ending.

"On the ground, our seven soup kitchens continue to operate daily. But the situation is worse than ever. Food costs more, availability is scarce, and the number of people relying on us continues to grow. People cry when we can’t serve them—it’s not just hunger, it’s desperation. Our kitchens are often the last place with an open door, the only spot with boiling pots. It takes a toll on our team. They carry stories home, the kind that weigh on your spirit. This is life under a system of injustice, under intentional starvation. Even Israeli soldiers have reportedly begun admitting the severity of the crisis—privately, of course.

"We are literally keeping people alive. With every meal served, we’re not just feeding the hungry—we're preserving life. But when food isn’t enough, our team steps in with IV fluids at our medical point, helping patients who are too weak to eat or dangerously dehydrated. This is care at its most urgent, its most human.

"We also deliver hot meals daily to two hospitals—without fail. Patients and exhausted medical staff know they can count on us. On you and me. In a place where nearly everything has collapsed, that consistency is a miracle.

"And no, we don’t say that because we want applause. It’s miraculous because we’re still open for business—still cooking, still delivering, still healing—despite everything that’s happening to us in Gaza. Despite the bombs, the starvation, the displacement, and the heartbreak. We haven’t stopped.

"That’s the power of solidarity.

"Our water trucks deliver life itself.
Every day, we get water to nine locations, rotating between neighborhoods in the north and middle of Gaza. Women and elderly people often go thirsty, waiting. Still, we show up. And it’s only possible because you continue to show up for us.

"Our medical point sees 70 to 100 patients a day. We care for wounds, fevers, infections. We source medications from shuttered pharmacies, destroyed hospitals, and whatever small NGOs can share. Diapers and baby formula are now treasures—some families have resorted to plastic bags. The world is watching and condemning, but it’s not enough. Condemnation doesn’t heal children.

"And our flexible initiatives? They're still going strong. Yesterday we delivered fresh produce—cabbage, eggplant, peppers—to displaced families. Last week it was children's clothing. Every small gesture matters. Every pack makes a difference for one child, one mother, one family. While we might give away thirty produce packs, we could use a thousand more. People are stunned that we’re still able to source anything at all. They call, hoping to get one. These small packs are rarer than UFOs.

"Let’s be clear: #Israel owns this madness. And one day, it will be held accountable. May it happen before the afterlife.

"You keep us going. You keep the lights on. You give our team confidence that the world hasn't turned its back. I’m tired. I’m removed from the genocide. But I know our frontliners are beyond exhausted. What keeps them going is faith—and the tiny distractions that service brings. They are choosing others, in the face of destruction."

Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#NorthGaza #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #Fundraisers #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal

Food security experts warn #Gaza is at critical risk of #famine if #Israel doesn’t end its blockade

By SAM MEDNICK
Updated 10:48 PM EDT, May 12, 2025

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — "The #GazaStrip will likely fall into famine if Israel doesn’t lift its #blockade and stop its military campaign, food security experts said in a stark warning on Monday.

"Nearly half a million #Palestinians are facing possible #starvation, living in 'catastrophic' levels of hunger, and 1 million others can barely get enough food, according to findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading international authority on the severity of hunger crises.

"The group said 'there is a high risk' of outright famine if circumstances don’t change.

"Israel has banned all food, shelter, medicine and any other goods from entering the Palestinian territory for the past 10 weeks, even as it carries out waves of airstrikes and ground operations. Gaza’s population of around 2.3 million people relies almost entirely on outside aid to survive, because Israel’s 19-month-old military campaign has wiped away most capacity to produce food inside the territory.

"Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the findings, saying the IPC’s previous forecasts had proven unfounded and that the group undercounted the amount of aid that entered Gaza during a ceasefire earlier this year.

"Food supplies are emptying out dramatically. Communal kitchens handing out cooked meals are virtually the only remaining source of food for most people in Gaza now, but they too are rapidly shutting down for lack of stocks.

"Thousands of Palestinians crowd daily outside the public kitchens, pushing and jostling with their pots to receive lentils or pasta."

#NorthGaza #GazaAid #FreePalestine #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #GazaSoupKitchen #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal

#EUPresident Should Be Tried for Complicity in #Israel’s #WarCrimes, Says Top UN Expert on #Palestine

“I’m not someone who says, ‘History will judge them’ — they will have to be judged before then,” Francesca Albanese said in an exclusive interview.

Arthur Neslen
May 3 2025, 4:00 a.m

"As the International Court of Justice [#ICJ] takes its next steps on investigating and prosecuting war crimes in Israel’s war on Gaza, the top expert on Palestine at the United Nations is pushing for even more international accountability.

"In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with The Intercept, U.N. special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese, called for top European Union officials — including European Commission President #UrsulaVonDerLeyen — to face charges of complicity in war crimes over their support for Israel during its 18-month assault on #Gaza."

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/kwyNY

#FreePalestine #FreeGaza #BibiIsAWarCriminal #IsraeliWarCrimes #Complicity #FoodIsLife #HumanRightsViolations #Genocide #Starvation #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on April 28th, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Salam and hello from Seattle — racing to return my rental and catch the shuttle to the airport!

I was here to meet with our #UNRWA USA supporters and gear up for the inaugural Seattle Gaza 5K on August 3rd.
But my heart is back in Gaza.

Last week, we added a 7th soup kitchen location because things are desperate.
Now, heartbreakingly, we may have to open an 8th.

The need keeps growing while the food keeps shrinking.
Everyone is exhausted.
You see the videos.
Our family and crew are living it — seeing the bodies in the streets, in hospitals, at every delivery site.
This is their daily reality.
No words can soften it.

The sliver of good news?
American public opinion is shifting.
Israeli policies and practices are now about as popular as COVID-19 in 2020 — overwhelming, wrong, criminal.
There’s no "but." It’s just the truth.

One of our kitchens — where Chef Faten leads — has become the most photographed soup kitchen in history.
Every day for the past month, a reporter comes to capture it:
The endless lines.
The incredible crew — women and men — cooking under brutal conditions to feed their neighbors.
We fear for their safety, and she knows the risks of speaking out.

Friends send me clips from news sites — but none of it stops the nightmare.
People need us now.
And we keep showing up.

Even the reporters, who might have money and resources, leave after filming with a meal — because they, too, are food insecure.
That’s how widespread the hunger is.
This program speaks for the hungry.

Right now, we have about 2-3 weeks of food left — that's it. ⏳
Sourcing anything is already a massive struggle.

Our last move?
We sent a team south to try to find rice and pasta and bring it north.
Carts are banned. Rickshaws and livestock-pulled carts are all we have.
Nothing new has entered Gaza for almost two months.
People are starving.
Pause and really think about that.
It’s indefensible.

Still, we hold on.

We deliver water daily.
We run small projects — slushies for kids ❄️, bread, kids' clothes, haircuts ✂️ — whatever we can manage to give them a glimmer of normalcy.
Small joys matter.
In a place where kids are being killed and wounded every day, a cold slushie is a glimpse of childhood again.

At our medical point, nurses and doctors are seeing 70-100 patients daily.
We keep restocking supplies when we can.
The nurses are the true healers. ❤️‍

As for us?
We will not stop.
Maybe an 8th location this week.
Maybe another hospital next.
Whatever it takes.

Please:
Keep speaking out.
Keep believing in collective liberation.
Stay loud for Palestine.
They have suffered enough.
2023. 2024. 2025.
Let’s make sure this ends yesterday, not tomorrow.

In prayers and persistence,
Hani

P.S. For those who asked: my parents are alive (Alhamdulillah), leaning on their faith but tired, insecure, and worried for the grandkids they now have to raise while in their seventies. But it has also given them new purpose — and I know many Palestinians now find themselves in the same boat."

Donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

UN food agency says its food stocks in #Gaza have run out under #Israel’s blockade

By WAFAA SHURAFA and LEE KEATH
Updated 11:00 AM EDT, April 25, 2025

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — "The #WorldFoodProgram says its food stocks in the Gaza Strip have run out under Israel’s nearly 8-week-old blockade, ending a main source of sustenance for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the territory.

"The WFP said in a statement that it delivered the last of its stocks to charity kitchens that it supports around Gaza. It said those kitchens are expected to run out of food in the coming days.

"Some 80% of Gaza’s population of more than 2 million relies primarily on charity kitchens for food, because other sources have shut down under Israel’s blockade, according to the U.N. The WFP has been supporting 37 kitchens that produced some 500,000 meals a day.

"It was not immediately clear how many kitchens would still be operating in Gaza if those shut down.

"Israel cut off entry of all food, fuel, medicine and other supplies to Gaza on March 2 and then resumed its bombardment and ground offensives two weeks later, shattering a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. It says the moves aim to pressure Hamas to release hostages it still holds. Rights groups have called the blockade a 'starvation tactic' and a potential war crime."

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-blockade-food-e492a5ba3197b15b1599747e3cde12b2

#NorthGaza #GazaAid #FreePalestine #Fundraisers #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GazaSoupKitchen #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #DeirAlBalah
#IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on April 10th, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear friends,

Thank you, as always, for being with us. We hope you’re doing okay—these are uncertain, overwhelming, and often heartbreaking times, and your continued support means the world to us and to Gaza.

This past week, our team had a serious conversation: Should we scale back our work because food has become incredibly expensive, harder to find, and money transfer fees have skyrocketed? Or should we dig deeper? We already have the staff and the ability to send funds (we did have a hiccup earlier this week that we were able to resolve)

We chose to dig deeper.
We agreed that this is not the time to hold back—it’s the time to do more. The community needs us now. Many larger humanitarian actors are parked at the border, waiting for access. We’re one of the few nimble efforts still moving—still showing up, still cooking, still delivering water, still caring.

So here’s what your support made possible this week:

We added a sixth permanent Gaza Soup Kitchen location—this one serves families east of #Jabalia refugee camp. Our pop-up kitchens continue to operate in central #Gaza when possible.

We’re feeding 1,500 families daily, plus preparing 300 meals for two hospitals: the Indonesian Hospital and the Arab Baptist Hospital. Staff at the Indonesian Hospital even honored our crew with a certificate of appreciation—a moment of light in very dark days.

Ten water trucks continue to deliver water every day, reaching 20,000 people across various neighborhoods. Five teams run this effort—each team gets two trucks and heads to two different areas. Water is life, and we do our best to keep it flowing.

Our medical point is growing. We added a private room for patients and doctors, and we now care for about 80 patients a day. We hunt down medications when they’re nowhere to be found. It shouldn’t be heroic to find basic meds—but right now, it is. Still, we keep trying.

And in #BeitLahia, our incredible women-led team organized a special day for mothers. They distributed scarves and a hard-to-find beauty product, and served cold slushies to women and their children. It was a moment of joy, normalcy, and love. It cost us just $400 and lifted a whole town.

We are so proud of our team. But we’re also tired. Every day, we see news about #humanitarian workers and #SoupKitchens being targeted. We read it with heavy hearts, knowing it could be any of us. The toll of this work is real. But so is our promise:

We will be the last door to close.
The last pot to stop boiling.

We say this not with bravado—but with faith, grit, and deep responsibility. Your support makes this possible. And we are so, so grateful.

Please continue to share, donate, and keep Gaza in your hearts.

With love and determination,
The Gaza Soup Kitchen Team"

Donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

'Only Hellfire': #Israel Says Lifesaving Aid, Troop Withdrawal Off the Table for #Gaza

"Israel's defense ministers can't stop publicly confessing to #WarCrimes," said one U.S. journalist.

by Brett Wilkins, Apr 16, 2025

Excerpt: "Israeli media reported Wednesday that senior government security officials believe Gaza will run out of #humanitarian supplies and #food in about a month.

"Legal experts say the siege is a war crime, and United Nations experts and #HumanRights groups have called Israel's blockade and use of #starvation as a weapon of war acts of #genocide.

"The International Court of Justice—which is weighing a genocide case against Israel—last March issued a provisional order to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Many critics say Israel has ignored the directive.

"#Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister #YoavGallant, who ordered the siege, are also fugitives from the International Criminal Court, which last year issued warrants to arrest the pair for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the siege"

#ICJ #ICC #BibiIsAWarCriminal #IsraeliWarCrimes #IDF #GazaAid #FreePalestine #FreeGaza #GazaSoupKitchen #NorthGaza #GazaAid #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong

#foodislife

https://themadnessofthomasbenson.wordpress.com/2025/03/16/the-appreciation-of-a-late-night-snack/

NOT JUST MAINE! #USDA ending local purchasing programs for #Maine #FoodBanks and #schools

#MainePublic | By Nicole Ogrysko
Published March 12, 2025

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two national programs that help food banks and schools in Maine — and around the country — purchase produce from local farmers.

"USDA told Maine officials and partners late last week that it has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. It helped #GoodShepherd Food Bank buy produce from about 100 Maine farmers, which is then distributed to local food banks around the state.

"'That program is incredibly important to the state of Maine, both in food today — food that we source and distribute today — and in food tomorrow, which is the economic viability for those 100 #farmers and for our partner agencies to experience fresh, nutritious produce," said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.

"At the same time, Paquette said the food bank recently learned that USDA will stop delivering about 1 million pounds of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program to Maine. Those deliveries are on hold for Good Shepherd — and food banks around the country — through at least June.

"Paquette said the USDA delivery represented about 20% of food that Good Shepherd moves around the state.

"The cuts — both to government food deliveries and to funds that Good Shepherd used to buy local produce — are concerning, Paquette said, because more Mainers are experiencing #FoodInsecurity.

"Our need is up every year," she said. 'This year we distributed 10% more food cases than we distributed the year before that, and that year was 10% over the [prior] year. So we're experiencing double-digit need increase in the state of Maine.'

"A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state received about $1.3 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.

"USDA has also terminated the Local Food for Schools program, which provided more than $720,000 last year to Maine schools. Schools used those funds to buy food directly from local farmers to serve in their cafeterias.

"The program provided a big boost to the state's farmers, because more than 100,000 students eat at Maine schools every day, said Anna Korsen of the food security non-profit Full Plates Full Potential.

"'That has a huge impact on local economies, on #SmallFarms, and it's just better for kids," she said. 'The food's healthier, they're getting fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria.'

"A spokesperson for Maine's Department of Education said the state was expected to receive nearly $2.8 million for the Local #FoodForSchools program over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be disbursed later this spring.

"Maine still has a statewide local food purchasing program for schools. But Korsen said the federal program provided more purchasing power for Maine schools. In 2023 before Maine received federal #LFS funding, schools in the Pine Tree State spent just more than $168,000 on local food, Korsen said.

"These USDA programmatic cuts are separate from those that the department is making at the University of Maine System [which were just reversed]. And unlike those impacting UMaine, the termination of USDA's local purchasing programs affects food banks and schools around the country."

https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-03-12/usda-ending-local-purchasing-programs-for-maine-food-banks-and-schools
#KillThePoor #USPol #MadKingTrump #RESIST! #FoodIsLife #WorkingPoor #SNAP #SaveTheFarms

Holding the Line in #Gaza – A Personal Update (March 9, 2025)

by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer of the #GazaSoupKitchen

"Hey Friends,

Wanted to check in with an update on what’s happening in Gaza and what we’ve been up to at the Gaza Soup Kitchen. Things are still unbelievably tough, but we’re keeping the fire going—literally and figuratively.

Food and Supplies – It’s Only Getting Harder

Food isn’t being allowed in, and essentials like vegetables and meat are nearly impossible to find. Many people haven’t seen fresh produce or protein in weeks. Restaurants are shutting down because they simply don’t have ingredients to cook with, and the exchange rate is climbing again, making everything even more expensive for people who have nothing left.

Even with all that, we’re still cooking every day. We’ve managed to keep going, and right now, we have enough food supplies to last about two more weeks. After that? We’ll figure it out, just like we always do. We may have to scale back food parcels, but we’re determined to keep meals coming. Chicken is likely off the menu—without widespread refrigeration, there’s no way to store it safely.

Here’s what we did just today:
✅ Cooked at all five of our locations
✅ Delivered 75 food boxes to struggling families
✅ Sent 150 meals to hospitals
✅ Distributed 10 containers of drinking water

Life for Displaced Families – No Relief in Sight

Nothing is improving for displaced families. They’re still living in tents that don’t protect them from the rain or the heat. Supplies are drying up, medicine is scarce, and hospitals are barely functioning. It’s a grinding crisis. People are resilient, but you can feel the exhaustion setting in.

I know that for many outside, Gaza isn’t in the headlines like it was before. People move on, news cycles shift, attention fades. But the suffering hasn’t stopped—#Palestinians are still being targeted, families are still struggling, and there’s no real ceasefire in place. We can’t afford to look away.

The Money Talk – Spending More Than We’re Bringing In

My displaced Palestinian accountant (yes, really) sent me a message after going through our February bank statement. His exact words? 'Hani, you’re spending way more than you brought in. Maybe slow it down?'

I told him straight up — 'Not happening.' The community doesn’t need us to slow down; they need us to keep going. We’re not reckless, but we’re preparing for Ramadan—stocking up food, keeping locations ready, and making sure we can feed as many people as possible in the weeks ahead.

What’s Next?

We need:
✔️ More aid to get through
✔️ Access to essential supplies
✔️ Rebuilding materials to be allowed in

Until that happens, we’ll keep cooking. We’re not stopping.

Thanks for standing with us—this is only possible because of you. Your support means the world, and I hope you know that. More soon.

Hani

P.S. Please know that I hate talking about money—I’d much rather focus on the impact we’re making. But just to give you a sense of how far your support goes:

$30 buys a food box for a family in need

$200 delivers drinking water to 200 families

$8 provides a nourishing meal to someone who hasn't eaten in days

$200 runs our medical point for an entire day, providing care and comfort to 70+ people

Every dollar counts and makes a real difference in the lives of those we’re trying to help. Your generosity is what keeps us going."

Donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily
#NorthGaza #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #Fundraisers #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong

#GazaSoupKitchen: Update on March 2, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear comrade,

#Ramadan is here, and all hands are on deck for the people of #Gaza.

Today:

✨ Five different locations that you support are serving hot meals, each offering at least two dishes and feeding 300+ families.

✨ We’ve been averaging 150 food boxes packed with essentials and groceries. I’ve been telling the team: buy what you can while you can—because sure enough, the Israelis announced they’re shutting the crossings and denying aid to Gaza. Prices shot up immediately, supplies are running low, and without refrigerators, fresh food like chicken and produce will spoil. Aid is free, but when it's denied, people will search for it.

Our team has stocked enough food for about ten days to sustain operations, meaning we’ll distribute even more food boxes until the market stabilizes. This morning, we dropped off 320 food boxes in #Jabalia. Tomorrow, we’ll do more. This kind of planning only happens because you rally around us.

A well-staffed medical point is serving up to 100 patients daily, offering primary care, dental care, baby and elderly support, and physiotherapy—all working hand in hand to bring comfort in these incredibly difficult times. The clinic also provides essentials like baby formula and diapers for children, as well as free basic medicine for those who need it most.

Eight to ten water trucks are reaching different neighborhoods in North Gaza. Remember: no aid means no fuel, and no fuel means it’s harder to pump water from the ground.

60 care packages distributed daily to little kids, sometimes tjese jabe snacks, other times essential like cheeses and jams.

140 hot meals are being delivered daily to hospitals, nourishing both patients and the medical staff keeping people alive.

Our team is expanding, giving us more mobility to take on bigger tasks at lightning speed. Just yesterday, we secured 350 blankets and delivered them to tent communities within hours. We did the same with food boxes. The faster we move, the more people we reach.

But what truly weighs on me is the relentless scrutiny from voices—trolls, really—who comment on the food we serve as if a meal somehow erases the suffering. Every plate we prepare is a battle—to secure funds, to find ingredients, to cook in a place where even the basics are scarce. And yet, when we share a meal prepared with love, some use it as an excuse to deny the reality of Gaza.

We are more than our suffering, but our suffering is real. No amount of bad-faith arguments will change that.

None of this happens without your love, support, and generosity. You are part of this movement, and together, we are making a difference—one meal, one blanket, one act of care at a time. Thank you for standing with Gaza. ✨

P. S. This week Sumud Podcast started sharing different segments of a two hour recording sessions I had with the hosts three weeks ago, I hope you get a chance to listen in."

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily
#Ceasefire #Hope #NorthGaza #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud

#GazaSoupKitchen: Update on January 28, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Hi, Salaam, and hello everyone,

Thank you for your patience—I know I’m a few days late with this update, and I truly appreciate your understanding. It’s been an emotional roller coaster of a week, but off we go.

Despite the unbearable reality in Gaza, this week has given us rare moments of joy. We’ve seen heartwarming reunions—families hugging for the first time in 15 months, children embracing their parents, grandparents holding their grandkids. It’s a lot to process, but these moments remind us why we keep going.

At the same time, the harsh truth remains: most people returning to the north are finding their homes damaged or destroyed. Nine out of ten families come back to rubble, and yet, they return because Gaza is home. That’s why we’re shifting our operations northward, where traditionally 65% of Gaza’s population lived.

We’ve closed our two kitchens in the south, but in their place, we’ve distributed food parcels, snack packs, fresh produce, and meal kits—allowing families to cook for themselves. It’s been a meaningful way to serve, but our focus now is on the three operational soup kitchens in Gaza City.

1️⃣ #BeachCamp: Originally planned for just another week, but the need is too great to close. Many of our crew members lost their homes in #BeitLahia and #Jabalia, and they’re staying near the kitchen to serve their community. We’re keeping it open to provide meals for up to 400 families daily.

2️⃣ #AlNasr: Quickly becoming a central hub, serving up to 300 families daily. Our team is working hard to manage the crowd and ensure meals reach as many as possible.

3️⃣ #ArabBaptistHospital: This kitchen has been delivering not just meals but dignity—serving items like kebabs, rice, and fresh sandwiches. The hospital even gave us a certificate of appreciation, a gesture that meant so much to our team.

Beyond food, water is critical. Without it, people can’t clean up, rebuild, or even stay in their neighborhoods. We’ve been delivering four water trucks a day to #NorthGaza, and tomorrow will be our biggest push yet—aiming for 10 trucks. We’re urging all humanitarian actors to prioritize water delivery, especially to hard-to-reach areas like Jabalia.

We’re also working to establish a larger, permanent soup kitchen, likely in #Mashrua, Beit Lahia. The only thing holding us back is logistics—our kitchen equipment is stuck in the south, and we haven’t yet found a way to transport it north. But we’ll get there.

And as always, we’re dreaming bigger. Maybe we can revive the school #ChefMahmoud started. Maybe we can expand our support for orphans. But for now, we’re focused on the essentials—food, water, shelter, and clothing.

None of this would be possible without you. You have given so much to Gaza, and you deserve a moment of joy, of celebration. Every meal served, every drop of water delivered, every family supported—it’s because of your generosity. So please, take a deep breath and know that your kindness is making a real, tangible difference.

Additionally, I had the chance to speak with #NPR's local affiliate about what gives me, as a Palestinian, a sense of community. It was such an uplifting conversation, and the Gaza Soup Kitchen took center stage—because of all of you and the incredible things we’ve accomplished together. Every step of the way, every smile, every bite, and every drop of water has been a testament to our collective effort.

With gratitude and appreciation,
Hani"

#GazaSoupKitchen: A Letter from the Heart

Update on January 18, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear Friends, Supporters, and Allies,

You’ve done something remarkable—together, we’ve stood with Gaza during a time of unimaginable hardship. Your love, generosity, and unwavering support have been felt deeply by the crew, the families, and the children who’ve benefitted from your kindness. Share these moments with your loved ones, because you’ve made a difference in ways that can’t be put into words.

As the ceasefire approaches, there’s a cautious sense of hope. The mood in Gaza is golden, though fragile. People are smiling, holding on to the possibility of peace, even as they navigate the shadows of loss. Your contributions are a testament to the power of love and solidarity.

---

Southern Gaza: Resilience in Action

Our southern teams have worked tirelessly to deliver aid while prioritizing safety.

Chicken and Rice: 120 families in Khan Younes received freshly prepared meals.

Fresh Fruits: A luxury just weeks ago, we distributed fruit bundles to 128 families—a moment of joy amidst chaos.

Food Parcels in Al Zawaydah: Over 200 parcels, filled with canned goods, jams, and cheeses, were distributed to families who needed them most.

With aid increasing, it’s no surprise that certain “organized criminals” have vanished—proof of their ties to forces trying to control resources.

---

Northern Gaza: Cooking Through the Chaos

In the north, our teams haven’t missed a beat:

Hospital Meals: Chef Kabar at Al Nasser broke new ground by adding almonds to meals, a moment of innovation and nutrition.

Beach Camp Kitchen: Chef Faten and her sons, Yousef and Mohamed, continue creating beautiful meals with love and determination.

‍ The Fantastic Four & Five Guys Teams: These kitchen heroes at Al Nasser have been unstoppable in their commitment to feeding families.

Even as the north remains unstable, two tent-city kitchens and a school-based location will continue to serve families and hospitals in dire need.

---

Water: Life-Saving and Essential

We’ve doubled our water delivery capacity, now transporting 4,000 liters per trip compared to the previous 2,500 liters. Clean water is inexpensive but vital, and your support has ensured this lifeline remains available to so many.

---

Looking Forward: Hope Beyond the Horizon

Drinking Water: We’re working on scaling up deliveries to meet the ongoing need.

Education and Care: We’re exploring plans to reopen the school Chef Mahmoud built and provide additional support to orphans.

We dream of a day when fewer families wait in line for food, when displacement is a distant memory, and when Gaza’s strength is matched by lasting peace.

---

Gratitude from the Heart ❤️

This isn’t just about meals or water—it’s about dignity, resilience, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Thank you for being part of this journey, for standing by Gaza when it mattered most. Your support ensures that we can adapt, serve, and continue honoring the legacy of generosity and service.

Together, we go farther.

Hani

P.S. I spoke on CNN this morning, sharing the stories of suffering and survival from Gaza. It’s rare to speak with happy news in mind, but today, there’s hope—and that feels extraordinary."

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on January 10, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear Supporters,

Another week has passed, and I’m back with updates from the ground in #Gaza. While there’s talk of a ceasefire deal, I believe it’s little more than a gimmick—a distraction used to prolong suffering while giving political players the chance to pat themselves on the back. As the powerful negotiate in luxury, the people of Gaza endure relentless hardship—cold, hungry, and unsafe. Just my two cents.

Before diving into Gaza updates, I want to express solidarity with the people of California who are facing devastating wildfires. My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Now, to the heart of the matter: the incredible work your generosity has made possible.

Soup Kitchens: Staying Strong

Our six soup kitchen locations remain fully operational, serving at capacity despite the immense challenges. We’ve also increased drinking water deliveries to six trucks daily, ensuring more families have access to clean water.

Here’s what’s happening across Gaza:

Khan Younes:
Crowds have grown significantly, and the team has stepped up, adding more pots to meet the need. Their food is delicious, their work tireless, and their photos uplifting. This location is now a hub of activity with three initiatives: the soup kitchen, the classroom, and the daily water deliveries. They’ve even added staff to enhance flavors and expand their impact.

Al Zawaydah:
This is our largest location, and the team here is nothing short of heroic. They cook every day, ensuring meals are hearty and nutritious by investing in extra vegetables. They’ve introduced a patron card system that guarantees meals while keeping capacity for new faces. It’s a well-oiled machine, driven by compassion.

Beach Camp:
Chef Faten and her team are doing wonders here. Five days a week, they bake savory pies, mini pizzas, sweet breads, and pastries. Fridays are reserved for rice dishes, a staple that also sustains three other locations in North Gaza, including the one providing meals for the Arab Baptist Hospital.

Al Shaikh Radwan:
Our northernmost location came under fire this week, with bullets landing alarmingly close to the cooking pots. It gave the crew a scare, but they soldiered on. Their courage inspires us all.

Hospital Deliveries:
Chef Kabar and his team prepare meals daily for the Arab Baptist Hospital, with Omar and Fatema ensuring these hot meals are delivered safely. Their dedication makes us so proud.

What’s Next?

I often ask myself: How can we do more? What else can we do? Sometimes we have answers; other times, we don’t. What’s certain is that our work remains critical. From distributing blankets, classroom supplies, to hygiene kits and care packages in both North and South Gaza, every dollar you donate is stretched to serve the community.

We need more resources, yes. And while moving funds into Gaza is a constant challenge, we persist, finding ways to get resources into the hands of our courageous crews who make all this magic happen.

How Can You Help?

Share and Engage: Social media platforms are slowing us down, and we need your help to amplify our stories. Share, engage, and tag us—it makes a bigger difference than you might think.

Boycott and Advocate: Support ethical companies and continue advocating for peace with justice.

Keep Gaza in Your Prayers: Your prayers and well wishes matter.

Thank you for being such incredible allies. Your generosity keeps the Gaza Soup Kitchen alive, and your support inspires us to keep going. Together, we’re making a tangible difference.

With gratitude and hope,
Hani
Gaza Soup Kitchen Team"

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on January 3, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Thank you for being here with us and standing in solidarity. It's deeply troubling that, in 2025, we are still needed, and even more devastating that #Gaza remains under relentless military assault. Just yesterday, 69 defenseless #Palestinians lost their lives to Israeli violence. Yet, we press on, because giving up is not an option.

"Our winterization efforts are expanding across Gaza through several initiatives. In #NorthGaza, we are distributing heavy blankets—updates on this will be shared later today on social media. Yesterday in #KhanYounes, we handed out hats and gloves to the students in our classroom led by Ms. Fatma. These small but crucial interventions are aimed at helping families cope with the brutal winter. Still, the images of people drenched and freezing in the rain are heart-wrenching, especially knowing that at least seven babies have succumbed to the cold. It’s overwhelming, but we refuse to stop. In addition to cooking daily meals—stews and soups—we’re challenging ourselves to find new ways to keep people warm. While we wish we could provide tents or tarps to shelter those most vulnerable, for now, we are focused on winter clothes and blankets. Each blanket costs about $40, and we’ve sourced the heaviest kind available. We also hope to find sleeping bags soon.

"Before diving into more updates, I want to share some exciting news. Slate Magazine just published a podcast interview with me, where I talk about #UNRWA, the #GazaSoupKitchen, and #ChefMahmoud’s inspiring contributions. I hope you get a chance to give it a listen—it’s a glimpse into the work we’re doing and the people behind it."

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on December 26th, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear Comrades,

As we approach the end of another year, we are met with the painful reality that for #Palestinians, the years 2023, 2024, and likely 2025 will remain marked by suffering, #starvation, and invisibility. Despite undeniable evidence, even from U.S. government reports acknowledging famine in North Gaza, influential figures like the U.S. ambassador to Israel have dismissed these truths. For us, the famine is not a distant statistic — it is our daily reality at the Gaza Soup Kitchen.

As the co-founder of this initiative, I witness firsthand the heart-wrenching struggles of families who come to our four locations in North Gaza seeking a hot meal. And while we stretch every resource to serve everyone who shows up, there are still times when we have to send people home empty-handed. It breaks our spirits — not only mine but also those of the chefs and volunteers, who feel this injustice deeply because they, too, live it.

But we refuse to stop. We expand because we must. This week alone, we added 150 families to our daily roster across North Gaza and Khan Younes. By simply adding more rice to our pots, we’ve been able to feed 25 additional families in one location.

As the year comes to a close, here’s where we stand:

North Gaza Operations: We now have four active locations: one in Beach Camp, one in Al Shaikh Radwan, and two in Al Naser. At one of the Al Naser kitchens, we prepare and deliver 140 meals daily for hospital patients, ensuring each meal serves at least two individuals. Families sheltering nearby also receive meals, and if a child shows up empty-handed, our chefs find a way to send them home with food.

Khan Younes Revival: Our Khan Younes kitchen has been reinvigorated, now serving over 200 families daily, primarily displaced families from Al Mawasy. The team has been working tirelessly to refine their operations, and their excitement is contagious. They also deliver water every morning, a vital service for the community.

Al Zawaydah Highlights: This week, the Al Zawaydah team introduced a new hot dish and prepared sahlab, a beloved winter drink made with cinnamon and coconut, for 300 children. Adults weren’t left out, and alongside the sahlab, the team served 525 hot meals, cementing this location as our largest operation.

All of this is possible because of you. Every day, we spend between $12,000 and $15,000 to sustain these efforts, ensuring families receive food and dignity. Beyond the daily meals, we also provide one-off food parcels to families in need, quietly addressing gaps where they arise.

This week, a significant stock donation of $25,000 reinforced our ability to dream big for Gaza. The donor's faith in our mission is humbling, and we’ve even developed tools for others to contribute stocks, opening new avenues for support.

To our incredible supporters: thank you. For 10 months, we have answered every call, served every meal, and shared every moment of hope because of your generosity. You’ve helped us make this year a little less unbearable for so many.

But let us not forget the context of our work. Beyond the soup and rice, my heart breaks with every story of a Palestinian journalist targeted, a physician attacked, or an influencer silenced. These stories keep me up at night. They ruin my days and weeks. But through it all, we must continue to find purpose, to act, to resist despair.

This is my purpose. Thank you for walking this journey with the late Chef Mahmoud and me, for believing in our work, and for spreading the word.

Take a moment to look at the pictures from the last 24 hours at the Gaza Soup Kitchen. Each image tells a story of resilience, of community, and of hope.

With gratitude and resolve,
Hani
Your friend at the Gaza Soup Kitchen"

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily?viewupdates=1&rcid=r01-173221650335-4b67c31ca83d11ef&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_email%2B1137-update-supporters-v5b
#NorthGaza #IsraeliWarCrimes #Starvation #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #IsraelHumanRightsViolations
#StopArmingIsrael #WorldWarBibi #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #BibiIsAWarCriminal #Genocide #GoFundMe #KhanYounes #Palestine #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #NorthernGaza #Gaza #AlZawaydah #KamalAdwan #KamalAdwanHospital

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on December 19, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Salam, Shalom, and Hello Everyone,

Thank you for being here, for your compassion, and for all you do to make the world a better place. Right now, there’s no place more deserving of your time and generosity than Gaza, Palestine. Your unwavering support for the Gaza Soup Kitchen and the incredible helpers—both inside and outside Gaza—reminds us that humanity endures, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Every day, we see destruction and cruelty, but alongside it, there are moments of hope—moments made possible by people like you who refuse to give up. The Gaza Soup Kitchen began as a response to heartbreak, born from an inability to stand idly by. Since its launch earlier this year, we’ve been humbled by the scale of impact we’ve achieved together.

Looking back over the past 10 months, I often ask myself: Was it worth it? The answer lies in the faces of the children we’ve fed, the families we’ve supported, and the comfort we’ve provided amidst chaos. A meal for a child in March, food parcels in April, classrooms in May, formula for newborns, and so much more—these moments affirm why we do this work, despite the personal cost.

This Week’s Updates

1. Expanding to Gaza City Hospitals
This week, we launched a dedicated soup kitchen in Gaza City to provide meals to three major hospitals. So far, we’ve delivered 100–150 meals per day to hospitals like the Baptist Hospital and the Public Service Hospital. The gratitude from medical staff and patients has been overwhelming, and we’re determined to scale up to 500 meals daily. Tomorrow, we’ll prepare 250 meals, taking another step toward that goal.

These meals are delivered by Omar, Fatma, and Yousef, Chef Mahmoud’s children, who wear vests with his insignia. When people see the logo, they offer a small prayer for him—a touching reminder of the legacy we’re building together. This operation is led by Mama Samah, a local chef who has brought her expertise and warmth to this critical mission.

2. North Gaza Kitchens
In North Gaza, our three locations continue feeding up to 850 families daily. The largest serves 325 families, while the others serve 250–300 each. Despite their own fears and displacement, the crew shows up daily, cooking with heart and serving their neighbors with a smile. This area now has over 23 crew members, including a large number of women at our beach location.

3. Al Zawaydah Kitchen in the Middle Area
Our largest operation, located in Al Zawaydah, serves 550 families daily. This kitchen is the backbone of our efforts, though its high food costs and demand present challenges. Still, the team continues to innovate, delivering meals that nourish both the body and the spirit. This is also where Hamoudi, a young boy beloved by the community, often visits with his kittens—a reminder of resilience in even the toughest times.

4. Khan Younes Kitchen
In Khan Younes, we’ve transitioned to daily operations over the past week. Starting with 150 families, we now serve 225. The team has pledged to never turn anyone away, ensuring no one leaves empty-handed. With your help, we’ll sustain this location beyond its initial seed funding from Communities Connections UK, which will soon run out. Daily operations cost $1,000, and the five-member crew is committed to making every dollar count.

5. Additional Initiatives
Beyond meals, we’re delivering four truckloads of water daily to communities in desperate need, thanks to our partnership with flo.pure. Food parcels are also distributed when resources allow, ensuring families have access to essential supplies.

Looking Ahead

Our immediate goal is to increase hospital meals to 500 per day within the next week. Tomorrow, we’ll prepare 250 meals, pushing the limits of what’s possible with our current resources. With your continued support, I’m confident we can rise to this challenge.

A Personal Note

Next week, I’ll be traveling to Egypt to visit my sisters—one a permanent resident, the other recently medically evacuated. Thanks to the cheap seats I booked, I’ll also spend a few days recharging and reconnecting during my day long layovers with friends in Paris, Amsterdam, and Turkey before returning to continue our work in Gaza. Please let me know if you are near any of those places.

End-of-Year Appeal

As the year draws to a close, I hope you find time to rest and reflect. Donations to the Gaza Soup Kitchen are now tax-exempt in the U.S., and your support has never been more critical. The coming weeks are pivotal for Gaza and the Palestinian cause, and every contribution makes a difference.

Thank you for standing with us and for helping to keep hope alive in Gaza.

Warm regards,
Hani
Gaza Soup Kitchen

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on December 5, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

Donor Update: Honoring #ChefMahmoud’s Legacy and Pressing On

"Dear Friends,

"This is my saddest update to date, but first, if you're new here—welcome. I’m so glad you’ve joined us, even during what has been an unimaginably difficult week for my family and me.

"Our Commitment to Gaza

"Let me begin by saying this: we are not going anywhere. Our kitchens remain fully operational, with three locations in North Gaza and two in the south. Every day, we serve thousands of families in need, and we are determined to continue this vital work.

"A Tragic Loss

"On Saturday, around 9:00 a.m. local time in Palestine, an Israeli drone targeted and assassinated my brother, Chef Muhammad. It’s almost unfathomable. A man whose only mission was to help others—a chef—was taken by an instrument of death. He wasn’t just a chef; he was a hero.

"At just 33 years old, Muhammad dedicated his life to supporting the people of North Gaza. He refused to leave despite immense danger, providing food, water, and essential supplies to his community. He loved and appreciated his life, honored his parents, was a good dad to his kids. Mahmoud even supported local hospitals with enough resources to sustain them for weeks. The things he has done has been already been acknowledged by the local community. Instead of awards and recognitions which he didn't seek, he got a missile meant tk kill bad guys not humanitarians like Mahmoud.

"He was detained multiple times by the Israeli army and always released immediately because he was a civilian, a humanitarian. So why was he targeted? Why was a chef deemed a threat? The loss is heartbreaking and senseless. But Muhammad died a hero, and we are incredibly proud of him.

"Media Efforts

"This week, I’ve done countless media interviews to share Muhammad’s story. While exhausting, it is a privilege to bring awareness to his legacy and the ongoing #genocide in Gaza. We’ve spoken about him on platforms like #DemocracyNow, Fox 5 DC, CNN, PBS, AJ+, and many more. These stories won’t bring him back, but they hold the Israeli army morally accountable and offer comfort to those who loved him. Also, special shout out to Chris and Janeen from IMEU for helping me and so many Palestinians to be present in the US and Global media.

"Muhammad now joins our brother Majed, who was killed exactly a year earlier. The pain of losing two brothers is immeasurable, but we march on—not because we seek grand statements, but because supporting our people is the only way we know how."

#NorthGaza #IsraeliWarCrimes #Starvation #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #IsraelHumanRightsViolations
#StopArmingIsrael #WorldWarBibi #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #BibiIsAWarCriminal #Genocide #GoFundMe #KhanYounes #Palestine #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #NorthernGaza #Gaza #AlZawaydah #KamalAdwan #KamalAdwanHospital

#FoodIsLife

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