ROME, Nov 18 (Reuters) – The world faces a deepening hunger crisis and resources fall far short of needs, the UN said. Food Program warned on Tuesday, citing sharp drops in humanitarian funding.

In its Global Outlook 2026, the Rome-based WFP said 318 million people were expected to face critical levels of hunger or worse next year, more than double the number in 2019.

But reduced humanitarian funding means WFP only plans to help about 110 million of the most vulnerable people in 2026, at a cost of $13 billion, the agency said.

Current forecasts suggest it could receive only about half that amount.

The WFP's largest donor, the United States, has cut its foreign aid under President Donald Trump, and other major nations have also made or announced cuts in assistance.
The WFP’s largest donor, the United States, has cut its foreign aid under President Donald Trump, and other major nations have also made or announced cuts in assistance.

Bloomberg via Getty Images

“The world is dealing with simultaneous famines, in Gaza and parts of Sudan. This is completely unacceptable in the 21st century,” WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said in a statement. “Hunger is becoming more entrenched. We know that early and effective solutions save lives, but we desperately need more support.”

The WFP’s largest donor, the United States, has cut its foreign aid under President Donald Trump, and other major nations have also made or announced cuts in assistance.

The WFP said last month it expected to receive 40% less funding year-over-year by 2025, resulting in a projected budget of $6.4 billion, down from $10 billion in 2024.

Conflict, extreme weather conditions and economic instability are expected to cause serious food insecurity, the WFP stated. In 2025, their famine prevention efforts brought communities back from the brink of famine, but the overall crisis shows no signs of easing.

The agency said it would deliver emergency. food and nutritional assistance, helping communities build resilience to food crises and provide technical support to strengthen national systems, while leveraging technology to improve efficiency.

“WFP provides a critical lifeline to people on the front lines of conflict and disasters, and we are transforming the way we work to invest in long-term solutions,” McCain added. “Ending entrenched hunger requires sustained support and real global commitment.”

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WFP urged governments and donors to invest in proven solutions to curb hunger and move closer to the goal of zero hunger.