As you consider appropriations for fiscal year 2025, I urge you to prioritize robust funding for the three primary food aid programs that directly support the U.N. World Food Programme’s work to save and protect lives globally: Food for Peace Title II program, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program and the Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP).
Global hunger is at a historic level with 42 million people across 45 countries on the brink of starvation or worse. There are over 1 million people facing or expected to face catastrophic hunger by the end of 2024. This year, WFP plans to serve 150 million people with an estimated operational cost of $21.1 billion, an increase of 15% from the level a year ago.
The U.S. government is the largest financial donor to WFP, and we hope that you will continue your historic support for the lifesaving programs in the fiscal year 2025 requests outlined below:
1. Food for Peace Title II Grants: Under the Food for Peace Title II program, we seek a base appropriation of $1.95 billion. These funds will provide WFP with the resources to deliver food in time to save lives while, at the same time, supporting American farmers. In addition, to meet the U.S. established contribution level, a further $1 billion will be needed in emergency supplemental appropriations.
2. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program: We request for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program an appropriation of $265 million. This modest increase will continue to build the resilience needed to withstand the multiple shocks to food systems, enhance child nutrition and support communities through improved education and market development. All these features will not only improve people’s living conditions, but also help stabilize societies in ways that will contribute to efforts for peace. In conjunction with these goals, we also request that within available funds you request $26.5 million for local and regional procurement activities.
3. International Disaster Assistance/Emergency Food Security Program: We request a base appropriation level of $4.5 billion for the International Disaster Assistance (IDA) account, of which only a portion will be available for food assistance. An additional supplemental amount of $4 billion for the Emergency Food Security Program will be required in addition to this base funding level. These funds will support WFP’s work, and that of other partners, to save lives, and the flexibilities inherent in this program will also protect fragile economies in states that host sizable refugee and displaced populations.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, now is not the time for budget cuts. In the face of overwhelming food insecurity driven in part by conflicts around the world in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti, this is the time for U.S. leadership.
Please continue to provide strong U.S. support for the U.N. World Food Programme and its work to fight hunger around the world.
