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WFP Warns 318 Million Face Hunger in 2026 as Funding Falls Far Short

Shrinking donor support leaves the agency planning aid for only about one third of those in need.

Overview

  • The World Food Programme says it aims to assist about 110 million people next year at a cost of $13 billion, yet current forecasts suggest it may secure only roughly half that amount.
  • The United States, under President Donald Trump, has cut foreign aid to UN agencies and several European donors have also reduced humanitarian budgets, deepening the shortfall.
  • UN food agencies identified 16 global hunger hotspots and reported receiving $10.5 billion of the $29 billion required to respond to those crises.
  • Famine has been declared in Gaza and parts of Sudan, and the WFP estimates about 41 million people are already in emergency or worse phases of food insecurity.
  • Conflict remains the dominant driver of acute hunger, with climate shocks, economic instability, and rising attacks on aid workers further undermining access and delivery.