WFP Warns It Lacks Funds to Feed Millions Facing Hunger

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday that deep funding cuts will leave it unable to feed even a third of the 318 million people projected to face severe hunger in 2026.

“Declines in global humanitarian funding are forcing WFP to prioritise food assistance to roughly one third of those in need,” the agency said, noting that it will focus on about 110 million of the most vulnerable people.

Feeding that many would require around $13 billion, but “current funding forecasts indicate WFP may only receive close to half that goal,” the statement added.

The United States remains WFP’s biggest donor but has reduced foreign aid under President Donald Trump, while other major contributors — including several European countries — have also trimmed humanitarian budgets.

According to the WFP, the number of people facing acute hunger has more than doubled since 2019, driven by conflict, extreme weather and economic crises. UN agencies have already declared famine in Gaza and parts of Sudan this year, which WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described as “completely unacceptable in the 21st century”.

In the foreword to the WFP’s 2026 Global Outlook report, McCain warned that the global response “remains slow, fragmented and underfunded”.

“Global aid now covers less than half of total needs, with steep reductions in food assistance. Almost all operations have had to cut food and cash, and prioritise which vulnerable groups receive help,” she wrote, adding that attacks on aid workers have surged.

Of those expected to face hunger in 2026, 41 million people are classified as experiencing emergency or worse levels of food insecurity.

Last week, the WFP and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) identified 16 global “hunger hotspots” — from Haiti to South Sudan — warning that funding shortfalls are worsening already dire conditions. The agencies reported receiving only $10.5 billion of the $29 billion needed to support those at risk.