UN Warns of Hunger Crisis as Food Aid Faces Drastic Funding Cuts
ROME – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent warning that 58 million people are on the brink of extreme hunger or starvation due to a sharp decline in global food aid funding. The shortfall, exacerbated by significant cuts from key donors, including the United States, threatens essential feeding programs across 28 crisis zones worldwide.
Massive Funding Decline Threatens Millions
The WFP reported a staggering 40% drop in donations for 2025 compared to the previous year. This drastic reduction endangers food aid efforts in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, including Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, Rania Dagash-Kamara, the organization is “approaching a funding cliff with life-threatening consequences.”
With 343 million people globally facing severe food insecurity due to conflicts, economic instability, and climate change, the WFP had aimed to assist 123 million individuals in 2025. However, nearly half of those at risk now face imminent loss of food support unless urgent funding is secured.
Sharp Decline in Contributions from Major Donors
The WFP’s funding crisis is primarily attributed to a significant reduction in contributions from its largest donors. The United States, historically the biggest donor, has provided less than 10% of its 2024 contribution of $4.45 billion as of March 24. This decline is partly due to the Trump administration’s ongoing review of foreign aid programs and its decision to scale back USAID funding. Though a waiver allowed the resumption of emergency food aid in February, the overall commitment remains drastically lower than in previous years.
Britain has also announced foreign aid cuts in favor of military spending, further compounding the crisis. Additionally, several European countries are considering similar reductions, as noted by anti-poverty organization Caritas Europa. These collective cuts raise concerns about the global commitment to humanitarian aid in the face of escalating food insecurity.
Immediate Relief Needed for Critical Regions
The WFP has identified an urgent funding requirement of $2.49 billion to sustain emergency relief operations in key crisis zones, including Sudan, South Sudan, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Myanmar, Haiti, and regions in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Without immediate intervention, millions could face catastrophic hunger.
Earlier this week, the agency warned that food programs designed to prevent malnutrition in children in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria could be suspended within months. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are also experiencing reduced rations due to limited resources.
A Call for Renewed Commitment to Global Food Aid
As the world grapples with mounting humanitarian crises, the sharp decline in food aid funding raises serious ethical and geopolitical concerns. The failure of wealthy nations to meet their aid commitments not only endangers millions but also threatens global stability. With time running out, the WFP’s plea for urgent funding serves as a stark reminder that humanitarian assistance is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
The international community must act swiftly to prevent an unprecedented hunger catastrophe that could have long-term consequences for global peace and security.
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UN Warns of Hunger Crisis as Food Aid Faces Drastic Funding Cuts