UN warns billions short to feed 318 million facing severe hunger in 2026
The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) warned Tuesday that steep cuts to humanitarian funding mean it will likely be unable to feed more than two-thirds of the projected 318 million people who could face severe hunger in 2026.
The agency said that "declines in global humanitarian funding are forcing WFP to prioritise food assistance to roughly one third of those in need," targeting about 110 million of the most vulnerable. WFP estimates reaching those people would cost $13 billion, but cautioned that "current funding forecasts indicate WFP may only receive close to half that goal."
WFP's largest single donor is the United States. The agency noted that the U.S. reduced some foreign-aid contributions under the Trump administration, and several other major donors — including some European countries — have also trimmed humanitarian budgets, worsening the shortfall.
The 318 million facing acute hunger in 2026 is more than double the number recorded in 2019, as conflict, extreme weather events and economic instability have driven needs sharply higher. Of those projected to face hunger next year, 41 million are classified as being at emergency levels or worse.
Cindy McCain, WFP executive director: "The world's 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 group receive help."
McCain also warned that attacks on aid workers have surged, highlighting a growing disregard for international humanitarian law and making relief operations more dangerous and costly.
Last week the WFP and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a joint alert naming 16 global hunger hotspots — from Haiti to South Sudan — and said funding shortfalls were aggravating already dire conditions. Together the agencies report they have so far received just $10.5 billion of the $29 billion required to support people at risk.
The WFP report underscores a widening gap between humanitarian needs and available funding, raising urgent questions about how governments and donors will respond to prevent further deterioration and save lives in the year ahead.
