Our
Story
The Khartoum Aid Kitchen was born out of necessity as a response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Sudan following the outbreak of war.
As the war intensified in Sudan, many residents in Khartoum found themselves trapped and without access to food and in response to this local communities began to organize themselves into mutual aid groups, drawing inspiration from Sudan’s rich tradition of social solidarity known as “nafeer,” which means “a call to mobilize”
What would end up being Khartoum Aid Kitchen’s first pilot kitchen was set up in Al-Hitana Omdurman to meet the growing needs of those within the Al-Hitana community who were struggling to cover their basic food needs. Serving a meal of fortified lentil stew with bread, the kitchen was a massive success and went a long way to alleviating hunger in the community.
Building on this initial success, Co-founders Mohanad El-Balal and Yusuf, established the Khartoum Aid Kitchen initiative with the aim of providing more structured support to meet the needs of many more people in need through a network of community kitchens.
The Khartoum Aid Kitchen has since expanded its operations significantly to run kitchens in 8 of Sudan’s 18 states which feed around 30,000 people daily.
Where it is feasible and practical, the Khartoum Aid Kitchen has run food basket distributions to those displaced persons outside Khartoum State. The Khartoum Aid Kitchen has also endeavored to help address the massive shortfall in healthcare by providing for basic medical needs.
What makes us different?
Khartoum Aid Kitchen isn’t a traditional NGO. We are a community‑rooted, Sudanese‑led initiaitve built for a moment of crisis and a future of dignity. Our model is shaped by the belief that
Sudanese-led
We are guided by the people most affected by the crisis. Our work is shaped by Sudanese agency, lived experience, and accountability to our own communities and not external agendas or donor priorities.
Not a bureacracy
Where traditional NGOs rely on slow hierarchies and rigid programmes, we operate through nimble organising. This allows us to respond quickly, adapt to changing realities, and keep our focus on the people and not the paperwork.
Direct Impact
With low overheads and direct ‑to‑community operations, we can act in days where traditional NGOs take months. Every contribution goes further because our model is built for efficiency and immediacy.
Rooted in community and culture
Our identity is proudly Sudanese.