Food Assistance to Vulnerable Populations in the DRC - Canadian Foodgrains Bank 2009

In spite of elections in 2006 and the peace process that followed the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains volatile. Since August 2008 fighting between armed opposition groups and government forces in Kivu has resulted in significant displacement widespread looting sexual and gender-based violence and a deterioration of humanitarian conditions. Displaced populations often face insecurity weak health services a lack of food survival items safe water and sanitation facilities and are subject to the risk of further displacement. CIDA's contribution is supporting the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help provide much needed food rations to an estimated 2250 vulnerable households on a monthly basis for a period of 6 months. The operation also allows beneficiaries access to supporting programs such as resettlement services crisis counselling job training and medical care.