The World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a critical funding shortfall after the United States halted dozens of aid grants, despite an emergency waiver intended to keep food assistance flowing. The freeze puts millions at risk in crisis zones such as Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Mali.
The stoppage follows a 90-day pause on foreign aid, announced shortly after the U.S. administration took office. While a waiver was issued for life-saving humanitarian aid—including food, medical supplies, and shelter—WFP officials report that funding remains stalled, with no clear timeline for resumption.
The disruption has left over 507,000 metric tons of food, worth more than $340 million, stranded at various points in the supply chain, from warehouses to shipping routes. Many of the affected projects were funded under Food for Peace Title II, a program that has historically provided large-scale food assistance.
The crisis is further compounded by structural changes within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which is undergoing a major overhaul. Thousands of staff positions are reportedly being cut, creating a leadership vacuum that makes it harder for international aid organizations to secure funding commitments.
Aid officials warn that this may signal a broader shift in U.S. food assistance policy. The new approach prioritizes commodity-based food aid over long-term food security programs, potentially reducing funding for climate-smart agriculture and sustainability initiatives. Future aid decisions may also be influenced by political considerations rather than effectiveness.
As humanitarian organizations scramble to adapt, European donors are weighing whether to step in to fill the gap. However, uncertainty remains over whether other international partners will be able to offset the funding shortfall in time to prevent disruptions in food deliveries.
