In 2008, the world was rocked by spiralling food prices brought about by a variety of reasons including high energy prices, climate change, bio fuel production and declining agricultural production in the face of increasing demand.

The poor are the hardest hit, with no means to cushion themselves from price shocks. In Sri Lanka, for example, the cost of rice has more than doubled during the past year, sharply increasing food budgets. As a result the poor have to cut back on their meals, leaving them prone to malnutrition, especially in children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Choosing ‘Fast To Feed’ as its theme, MASL has identified the poorest districts in the country for the distribution 2,600 dry ration packs to feed a family of five for a week and hold Ifthars with discussions on food security through its local partners and Community-Based Organisations.

Community Ifthars were held in 60 villages in the 10 poorest districts, where people were encouraged to identify their food supply and food security issues and come up with possible solutions as well as an action plan to implement them. MASL will assist the villagers to carry out their plans where possible.

"So far it has been an eye opener for many people. Raising awareness of food issues was a main aim of our Ramadan programme this year. We want people to understand why they are having a problem and to come up with solutions themselves," MASL’s Head of Operations, Ishak Ahmad said.

MASL, in association with the World Health Organisation, AmeriCares, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA), has organized a "Walk 2 Feed" to raise awareness of the global food crisis, which drew some 150 participants.