Winter Relief Project - Afghanistan 2009

	Operation Mercy Winter Relief Distribution in Afghanistan The winter is always a challenge for poor people in Afghanistan and every winter many people freeze to death. Such people do not have the necessary monies to buy enough food and fuel. To respond to these urgent needs, Operation Mercy began emergency intervention during the winter in 2008. In 2009 we provided food distribution for 500 of the most vulnerable families in the regions of Mazar and Takhar, which are in the northern provinces of Afghanistan. The goal was to support these families during the harsh winter months with food supplies, which would then free up their own resources to buy fossil heating material of their choice. These distributions were conducted and monitored by a representative of the local government and/or village elders. Our co-workers received a distribution list from the government relief organisation and then checked households in order to verify their eligibility. Tenders were put out to choose the shop keepers for the distribution points, after which Operation Mercy staff selected those who offered good quality food at the best price, and paid them for the distribution. Food items were spot checked for quality and quantity. There are plans of continuing relief work next winter depending on the local situation.