U.S. Lifts Suspension on Global Food Donations Amidst Aid Confusion

Food Shipments Resume After Lengthy Pause

The United States has lifted a suspension on food donations, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed. The suspension had stalled more than 500,000 metric tons of food assistance at sea or awaiting shipment. This move comes after aid watchdogs warned of dire consequences, with vulnerable populations facing heightened risks due to the halted deliveries.

The pause on food aid purchases, initiated during the Trump administration, was part of a broader 90-day review of U.S. foreign aid policies. Despite an emergency waiver for critical food assistance, U.S. authorities ordered a temporary freeze on the funding and operations of U.S.-supported grants. Among the most affected programs was the Food for Peace Title II initiative, a key component of U.S. international food aid that annually distributes $2 billion worth of U.S.-produced commodities. This program is jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Five days after a food waiver was issued by then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio, WFP received directives to halt operations tied to dozens of U.S.-funded projects. The lack of communication and coordination from Washington exacerbated delays and confusion, leaving humanitarian organisations to grapple with whether to continue operations at their own financial risk.

Aid Disruptions Spark Humanitarian Concerns

The freeze affected aid programs across crisis-stricken regions, including Yemen, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Mali. These grants, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, provide essential food aid to millions. Humanitarian officials voiced concerns that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy changes had paralysed relief operations. Many agencies risked spoilage, storage issues, and supply chain diversions without clear assurances of financial coverage.

According to a report by USAID’s Office of Inspector General, approximately $489 million worth of food supplies were jeopardised by the disruption. Humanitarian leaders have since called for stronger collaboration and clearer guidelines to prevent future disruptions that could endanger global food security efforts. With the resumption of U.S. food donations, aid programs are now poised to continue delivering life-saving assistance to those in urgent need.