Most of those receiving food are families who have fled the fighting and are now staying with friends, relatives or living in public shelters. Official figures put the number of displaced at 1.2 million, but it could be higher.

WFP is also providing food to the most vulnerable families who are still in their homes but with greatly reduced access to food because of the conflict.

In areas where fighting is taking place, food prices are reported to have almost doubled since before the conflict. In governorates visited by WFP staff, these already high food prices have increased by an additional 20 percent or more.

By working with its local partner, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, WFP was able to reach most of the 14 Syrian governorates with food assistance. But there are some areas that no one can reach because of the security situation.

Meanwhile, some 300,000 people have fled across Syria’s borders and become refugees in neighbouring Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. WFP teams in these countries are using food vouchers as part of the response. Find out more

WFP people have reached over 120,000 refugees in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon in August with food assistance through food vouchers, in-kind food distributions or hot meals in refugee camps. The voucher system has just been extended to help an additional 30,000 refugees in Turkey.

The food vouchers can be redeemed against a list of items including cheese, milk, yogurt and eggs, which are not normally included in food rations. WFP often uses vouchers when food is available in the market but people do not have enough money to buy it.