Food needed for Iraqis in Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The United Nations is asking the international community for help in providing food for tens of thousands of Iraqi refugees living in Syria.

Following a two-day visit, Josette Sheeran, who heads the U.N.'s World Food Program, said Monday support systems in Syria have been stretched to the point where basic food assistance is desperately needed.

"We appeal to donors for more support to help the vulnerable among the Iraqis in Syria live with dignity until they can go home safely," says Sheeran.

A recent U.N. assessment indicates about a third of adult Iraqis in Syria skip one meal a day in order to feed their children.

Based on its assessment, the U.N. food program plans to increase the number of Iraqi refugees who will receive food assistancee from the current caseload of 51,000 to 114,000.

However, the organization says it faces a funding shortfall of about $2 million.