Bread Made from Animal Feed and Bird Seeds
In times of crisis, such as the current conflict in Gaza, families are forced to consume foods that would not normally be considered edible. One example of this is “bread” made from animal feed and bird seeds, which becomes the only available source of nourishment. These ingredients are ground up and then shaped into hand-sized discs resembling traditional bread. However, this makeshift food provides little to no nutritional value, leading to hunger and serious health issues, particularly among children.
Ingredients:
- Animal feed (such as barley or oat meal)
- Bird seeds (if available)
- Water
Preparation:
- Grinding the ingredients: Grind the animal feed and bird seeds into a fine, flour-like consistency.
- Forming the dough: Add water to the ground feed and seeds, mixing until you get a thick, sticky dough. The dough may be difficult to work with, but try to shape it into small, flat discs.
- Baking: Bake or cook over an open fire if possible. The dough is difficult to cook evenly and often hardens after cooling.
- Serving: Serve despite the poor nutritional value of the animal feed bread, which may cause digestive problems.
The Nabhan family made “bread” after purchasing what they thought was a small bag of milled flour at the inflated price of $7. But it turned out to be donkey feed. “We hoped it was wheat, but it turned out to be barley,” Maazize says. “I swear, those who ate it had stomach problems. We were wondering why everyone was complaining about stomachaches and cramps.”*
Since October 2023, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has drastically worsened. The complete blockade imposed by Israel has effectively cut off essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicine, leading to a dramatic deterioration in living conditions for millions of people. The region’s agricultural infrastructure, including farmland, orchards, and the fishing fleet, has been decimated—around 70% of the fishing industry is no longer operational, depriving residents of crucial food sources.
The blockade also restricts access to the sea, further limiting Gaza’s fishing capabilities. Israeli forces have targeted farms, greenhouses, and water infrastructure, resulting in the complete collapse of Gaza’s food system. Israel is using food as a tool in the conflict, deliberately restricting access to basic food supplies, forcing residents to forage for wild plants like khobiza to survive. Even these limited resources are at risk of running out.
The intent behind these actions is to weaken the civilian population through hunger and deprivation of basic necessities. As a result, 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many forced to move multiple times in search of safety and aid. International organizations, including the United Nations, are warning that this policy is leading to a risk of mass starvation. The blockade is not only creating severe food shortages but is also restricting humanitarian aid deliveries, exacerbating problems related to access to food and clean water. Most of Gaza’s residents are entirely dependent on external aid, which is being deliberately limited.
