‘Souk El Tayeb’, a social enterprise founded in 2004, has long been a champion for Lebanon’s local communities. Known for organizing farmers’ markets and employing women in rural areas, the organization has now expanded its role, especially as the country faces ongoing turmoil. In this interview, co-founder Christine Codsi reflects on how Souk El Tayeb is continuing to support Lebanon’s most vulnerable during the recent escalation of violence which started in September 2024.

The Beirut blast experience versus the current war

Christine recalls the devastating aftermath of the August 4 explosion in Beirut. “When the blast happened, we had to close our kitchen,” she explains. “Our building was damaged, and we felt hopeless.” But instead of staying idle, Souk El Tayeb quickly shifted focus. “We were contacted by the World Central Kitchen, who asked if we could help by cooking meals for the victims. With secured funding, we redirected all our resources to this initiative.”

Today, with all its restaurants closed, Souk El Tayeb is only running this initiative, called “Matbakh El Kell” in Mar Mikhael Beirut. “We prepare 4,500 warm meals a day,” Christine shares. “We work with shelters to determine the number of meals needed, and our NGO partners handle the distribution.“

Despite receiving some external funding from The World Central Kitchen, Souk El Tayeb continues to cover some direct additional costs such as rent and logistics. Additionally, Codsi points out that volunteer participation has dropped as life gradually returns to normal. “People are going back to school and work, which affects the number of meals we can provide,” she says.

Supporting Farmers Affected by the War

In addition to aiding the displaced, Souk El Tayeb is also helping Lebanon’s farmers, many of whom have been devastated by the ongoing conflict. Around 10% of the farming community has seen land and production disrupted, particularly those involved in olive oil and soap production. 

To assist, Souk El Tayeb launched a new initiative aimed at raising funds to help these farmers rebuild. “This initiative is focused on directly supporting farmers to relocate, and/or recover, whether through rebuilding their farms or replacing damaged equipment,” Christine explains.

Supporting local farmers is a critical part of Souk El Tayeb’s mission to create a more sustainable agricultural economy in Lebanon, especially as the country grapples with growing economic instability.

Expanding Souk El Tayeb’s Model

Prior to the escalation in September, Souk El Tayeb was already working to replicate its community kitchen model in the northern parts of Lebanon, namely in Ardeh – Zgharta.

They were training a local association in that region to open another community kitchen to serve the northern part of the country, facing high levels of poverty.

Christine believes that creating farmers’ markets and promoting a circular economy could be key to Lebanon’s economic recovery. “The northern region holds a lot of potential,” she says. “By empowering local farmers, we can help build a more resilient economy, and make sure the initiative is truly national.”

The Challenge of Planning Amid Uncertainty

Despite these ambitious goals, Codsi admits that planning has become increasingly difficult in times of such instability. “We’re lucky if we can plan a week in advance. The situation changes so rapidly,” she says. As the country faces ongoing challenges, continuity remains a significant concern for Souk El Tayeb. “We do not know what tomorrow will bring, and that makes it hard to plan for the future.”

Still, despite the uncertainty, Souk El Tayeb is determined to continue its work. Christine remains hopeful about the organization’s role in supporting Lebanon’s communities. “We have always been a team that adapts to the challenges we face,” she says. “Through solidarity and collaboration, we will keep pushing forward.”

Tala Nassif

Tala Nassif holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Development Studies – Labour, Activism, and Global Commodity Chains – from SOAS University of London. Specialized in international development and economic empowerment, Tala currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB.