Thousands in US take part in 'Ration Challenge'

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) - More than 14,000 people across the U.S. will attempt to take a step in a refugee’s shoes starting this Sunday, as they plan to take part in the "Ration Challenge", a global awareness campaign that challenges people to live off the same rations as Syrian refugees in Jordan do.

The challenge takes place from June 16 to June 23.

Those in the U.S. will join the 35,000 people across the globe who will be living off these rations packages, usually given to Syrian refugees living in camps in Jordan.

The proceeds of the campaign will go towards providing food, medicine, and education for refugees around the world.

While this is the first year the “Ration Challenge” is being launched in the country, it has been running annually in Australia for years.

According to the campaign’s website, it has raised over $200,000 in the U.S. this year. It has raised over $8 million since the campaign began.

"The Ration Challenge is about more than rations," said Mary Catherine Hinds, director of Fundraising Strategy for Church World Services, the organization that launched the American branch of the challenge.

"While it brings attention to the conditions faced by refugees and helps participants start conversations, the funds Challengers raise will provide tangible support to refugees throughout the world."

A typical ration pack contains 3 ounces of chickpeas, 15 ounces of rice, 6 ounces of lentils, 15 ounces of canned kidney beans, 3.75 ounces of caned sardines, and 12 ounces of vegetable oil.

These foods are supposed to last the entire week for the average refugee.

Participants are also given two food coupons for flour and additional rice that can earn them food rewards for meeting promotional goals.

In addition to the U.S. and Australia, the challenge will take place in the U.K., and New Zealand.