The World Food Programme (WFP) will shift its support from in-kind food assistance to cash distributions to the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal starting mid-2018, the UN food agency said on Wednesday.

This is in line with refugees’ preference and will ensure the dignity of choice for assisted people, who will be able to purchase the food they like, WFP said in a press statement.

In June 2018, there will be a shift towards a so-called “basic needs approach” which will ensure WFP’s continued support through end of this year for all Bhutanese refugees.

Under this approach, especially vulnerable refugees, as defined by the UNHCR will receive a cash entitlement equivalent to the full food ration, whereas other refugees will receive the cash equivalent of their current ration. WFP will provide the cash equivalent to the full rations ($13 per person per month) to around 1,000 refugees deemed especially vulnerable.

This would be the 15kg full ration, composed of a daily ration of 440gm of rice, 90gm of varied pulses and 25 gm of vegetable oil and equivalent of 2,100 calories per person per day. All other refugees will receive the cash equivalent to the in-kind reduced ration of 10kg of rice per month ($6.5 per person per month).Pippa Bradford, WFP representative and country director, said: “WFP has sought a special allocation to ensure that for 2018 it can continue to provide full

support to the refugees. WFP will also promote the expansion of vegetable gardens with tools, seeds and guidance, in order to complement the refugees’ food basket and promote self-reliance.”