Funding supports food assistance for 8 institutions 

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Bakery, a historical institution in Bethlehem, had funding to provide bread for eight institutions caring for vulnerable citizens and more than 100 families. The project, funded by Salesian Misean Cara in Ireland, ran from January to March 2024. The bakery provides food assistance to those most in need through the distribution of free bread to the poorest families.

The families were from the Bethlehem area and are being impacted by the war and higher than normal cost of living in the region as a result. Receiving bread each day allowed families to save money and spend it on other needs. The families chosen were selected by the Salesians as well as the Women Arab Union in Beit Sahour and the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society in Beit Jala.

The funding further supported the bakery in providing bread for eight institutions that work with orphans, the elderly and people with disabilities facing hardships in Bethlehem.

A Salesian noted, “We appreciate the funding that has allowed us to provide free bread for families and institutions that are caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Moreover, with the funding, Salesians were also able to pay the salaries of the bakery staff and cover part of the running costs such as the baking materials, water, electricity and the fuel cost for the car that delivers the bread to the institutions. Salesians were also able to launch a digital campaign to raise awareness about the bakery’s work and presence in the city.”

Since 1891, Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Bethlehem, initially establishing an orphanage for boys and later expanding programs to meet growing local needs. Today, Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social activities to support the local community. Salesians offer a technical and vocational training center, the bakery, a youth center and a scout group.

Bethlehem has a population close to 25,000 people and an economy that is primarily tourist driven. According to UNICEF, poverty in Palestinian territories including the West Bank, Gaza and Bethlehem varies district to district. Along the Gaza strip, poverty rates have risen as high as 60% with residents relying on food assistance from the United Nations. Over half of the population is under the age of 18, and children in the region grow up amid frequent outbreaks of street violence sparked by ongoing political turmoil.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

Salesians in Bethlehem

UNICEF – Bethlehem Poverty