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Y30 Fights Famine in Yemen with Heart Restaurants Project

Published : November 8, 2019

The Yemeni people are currently facing an unprecedented level of famine, with an estimated 32% of the territory and two-thirds of the population experiencing food insecurity. The health conditions have significantly deteriorated due to malnutrition, leading to widespread epidemics such as Cholera, which infected around 5 million Yemenis in 2019. The economic situation is dire, and the survival of the majority of families depends on foreign humanitarian
aid.

In the heart of the capital, Sanaa, proactive residents initiated the creation of a restaurant with the aim of providing food to those in need. This project became a reality through donations from Y30 and support from our partners. From April 21 st to July 19 th , 2018, we provided food assistance to over 1,200 families in Sanaa by distributing around 700,000 meals and 450,000 kudoms (bread). This project played a crucial role in supporting
individuals facing famine and food insecurity, helping them survive by addressing a portion of their food needs.


Meal distributions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast during the day and eat after sunset, became a significant aspect of this initiative. The Restaurants du Cœur enabled the people to practice this important tradition despite the challenges posed by the war. Building on this success, Y30 expanded the project by initiating a similar restaurant in another district of Sanaa.


In July 2019, the Restaurants du Cœur activity took on new dimensions. With support from the Grand-Saconnex commune and numerous local donors, our volunteers provided approximately 80,000 hot meals to over 1,200 people over a 20-day period. The impact of this project drew attention from local media channels such as “Al-Miadeen” and “Agencia EFE”. Consequently, restaurant volunteers reached a new milestone by distributing daily hot
meals to more than 1,200 Yemenis in October 2019. This was made possible through new donations and increased media coverage.

To sustain and enhance this positive momentum, Y30 is currently working on developing an application to manage the project more efficiently and accurately track the number of meals delivered.

This special celebration was more than just raising a cup; it was a journey of discovery, tracing the story that begins with a tiny bean nurtured in fertile mountain soil and ends with a cup that carries joy, inspiration, and community.

 

Under the theme “The Magical Journey… From Bean to Cup,” the event highlighted coffee as a global symbol of unity — a bridge connecting cultures, stories, and people across continents.

 

Each coffee bean represents dedication, craftsmanship, and passion — from the farmer’s care to the barista’s artistry.

 

One of the event’s most memorable moments was the engaging presence of barista and coffee expert Ammar Al-Ahlasi, who filled the room with enthusiasm and the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

 

He came not just to serve coffee, but to share knowledge and unveil the secrets behind this enchanting beverage.

 

Ammar emphasized that brewing coffee is both an art and a ritual — from choosing the right grind size to controlling the water temperature and mastering the pouring technique. Every detail matters.

 

Each drop of water that touches the ground extracts not just flavor, but also a story, a feeling, and a sense of connection — creating a cup that nourishes the soul as much as the senses.

 

In closing, the Y30closing, the Y30 Association, in collaboration with the Y30 Institute, affirmed that this event was more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt tribute to the timeless values that coffee embodies: dedication, creativity, and human connection.

 

Every cup tells a journey — from the earth to the heart — reminding us that coffee is not merely a beverage, but a way of life.