KYIV/RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has contributed $10 million to the UN World Food Programme to support Ukrainians affected by war with daily hot meals in 1,200 institutions nationwide. The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. Saudi Arabia’s donation will help provide 50 million meals in institutions supported by WFP such as hospitals, shelters for internally displaced persons, orphanages, and psychiatric and geriatric facilities. Many of these institutions have faced increased strain and budget shortfalls due to the war and massive internal displacement. “We’re grateful that KSrelief chose to support a vital component of our emergency programmes in Ukraine, which provides relief to the most vulnerable Ukrainians while also strengthening the local institutions and organizations that care for them,” Marianne Ward, WFP country director in Ukraine, said in a statement. Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor general of planning and development, said in a statement: “We are pleased to be part of this important emergency programme to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected population in Ukraine. “KSrelief humanitarian assistance will provide lifesaving food assistance to the most vulnerable communities throughout the country.” The contribution will enable WFP to procure and deliver approximately 7,600 tonnes of food commodities, including flour, pasta, buckwheat, oatmeal, peas, sugar and oil — all of which are bought inside Ukraine to support the local economy and food systems. These commodities are complemented by other foods bought directly by the institutions to prepare nutritious daily meals for residents and people under their care. Over the next six months, WFP plans to provide food assistance to 210,000 vulnerable Ukrainians through its institutional feeding program. The KSrelief contribution will cover approximately 67 percent of the program’s needs, supporting 140,000 Ukrainians.