Food as Medicine for Palestine's PKU Kids

Thank you for your continued support. Because of you, we were able to bring nourishment to PKU patients across Gaza for two consecutive months—July and August.

Under the guidance of RA’s nutritionist, our team assembled food packages with fresh vegetables for PKU patients. They require low-protein food to stay healthy. Many essential items for PKU patients—such as special low-protein flour and medical formula—are no longer available in Gaza. High protein food is toxic for them. That’s why we ensure they receive fresh vegetables and fruits, which help them stay healthy and avoid irreversible brain damage.

Fresh vegetables were sourced from local markets. Each parcel contained a variety of fresh produce, including eggplants, okra, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, mulukhiyah, and spinach. Deliveries were made across the Gaza Strip—in Gaza City, Deir Al Balah, and Khan Younis. Families were contacted to receive their packages at safe locations.

In the fifth round of food parcel distribution, which concluded on July 3rd, a total of 182 parcels were distributed. The sixth round was completed on August 11th, delivering 191 parcels across the Strip.

The families were overjoyed to receive the parcels and expressed their deep gratitude.

• Doaa, Asmaa, and Youssef’s family was relieved to receive the parcel. “The moment we received it, we felt a sense of calm,” their father said. “It felt good to finally have something healthy and suitable for them.” Grateful for the support, he added, “We truly hope there can be more healthy parcels in the future.”
• Other families shared how the parcels bring hope. The father of Menna, Shahd, and Donia—who all have PKU—said, “The parcel we received made a difference. Thank you for not forgetting us.”
• The father of Mounir, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy with PKU, spoke about the last delivery: “For a few days, Mounir had something safe. For a few days, he smiled again. For a few nights, he slept soundly. And for that, we’re truly grateful.”

Our team in Gaza encountered heartbreaking stories during the distribution.

• Parents shared that their children are constantly hungry. They have nothing to feed them for days. Many told us how hard it is to find even the most basic essentials due to the ongoing blockade. Prices have risen so sharply that even simple vegetables are now out of reach for most families. Some said they can’t buy anything at all.
• Without vegetables, children become anxious, agitated, and withdrawn. Hassan’s brother told us that Hassan, who is 24 and has PKU, is becoming more irritable, emotionally unstable, and less focused. Not having the right food is harming his body and affecting his mental health.
• Little Joud’s father shared that his son has become more irritable and is showing signs of developmental delay. “It’s not just hunger,” he said. “It’s the lack of the right food he needs to stay alive and think clearly. And we haven’t had that for over a year.”
• Sami is a five-year-old boy with PKU. After losing his father in the war, he now lives with his grandmother in a tent. Without fresh food or medical formula, his health has worsened. He’s in first grade but struggles to learn, focus, and develop like other children.  “He’s in first grade but he still can’t tell the difference between the number one and two. He can’t write.” His grandmother hopes for regular support so Sami can grow, learn, and have a better future.
• Adel and Hala’s father told us they continue to move from one place to another. “Our constant displacement has deeply affected their mental well-being,” he shared. “And that’s on top of food shortages, lack of clean water, and the fear we live with every day under this war.”
• Amani, Ayman, and Ashraf all have PKU. Their father shared that without medical formula, their health is getting worse—they’re more irritable, their skin is pale, and their condition is declining each day.

PKU patients require regular supplies of fresh vegetables and fruits to stay healthy and prevent permanent brain damage. Your support is essential for us to continue helping these children regain some stability and hope.

Thank you for making this possible. Your support isn’t just filling boxes—it’s delivering health and dignity.

Links:

• An Urgent Message from Gaza's medical student
• Nutrition for 182 PKU patients in Gaza
• Behind the Scenes at Rebuilding Alliance: Episode 2