Fast for Darfur

The Fast

Darfur Refugee Daily Rations
Minimum requirement: 2,100 calories per person
New amount after the aid reduction: 1,050 calories per person
Cut by half: Cereals, blended fortified food and oil
Cut by three-quarters: Pulses, sugar and salt
Source: BBC News

The World Food Programme's 1,000-calorie per day food ration for displaced persons in Darfur and refugees in Chad includes:

  • Sorghum/Millet
  • Beans
  • Oil
  • Corn soya blend
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Sorghum and millet are an important part of the traditional sub-Saharan African diet. Learn more.

Those who are engaged in the fast are following different options:

Sample Foods for a 1000-Calorie Daily Eating Plan
Beans (1.5 cups) 320
Brown rice, cooked (1.25 cups) 270
Cracked wheat bread (1 slice) 65
White sugar ( 1 tbsp) 45
Olive oil (1 tbsp) 120
Salt (1 tsp) 0
Raw fruit without skin (1 cup)  40
Cooked vegetables (1 cup) 40
1% fat milk (1 cup) 100
Vitamins --
Total Daily Calories 1,000

You can download a calorie chart from the USDA at http://adam.about.com/care/weightloss/calories.pdf.

Some fast participants are making a drink with soy protein concentrate powder as a way to ensure that they are still getting enough protein in their diet.

Please note that it is very important to drink plenty of water!

CAUTION: Nothing on this page should be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of particular food products or a particular dietary regimen. If you choose to join the fast, whether for one day or for the entire 40 days, please consult a physician before you begin fasting. Persons with health problems and physical conditions that make fasting a health risk or danger should not join the fast. Those who are not fasting may still give their support by making a donation to help provide food to the uprooted people of Darfur.