WFP: Funding shortage threatens to halt food aid in Syria

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that funding shortfalls could halt food assistance in Syria in the coming months, stressing that the success of the recovery and reconstruction phase remains contingent on the international community's commitment to funding the humanitarian response and supporting economic development.

The programme explained that persistent funding gaps threaten to impede efforts to rebuild communities and improve livelihoods, and could suspend essential relief operations.

It noted that since the beginning of 2025, it has reached approximately 6.8 million people, with a monthly peak of 3.5 million beneficiaries, through a plan focused on those most affected by food insecurity.

The response included emergency food and cash assistance for approximately 1.2 million people, in addition to providing subsidized bread to 2 million people in the most affected areas, alongside programs of livelihood, nutrition, and school meals.

The program announced its readiness to launch the second phase of the subsidized bread project between January and February 2026 by supplying wheat flour to approximately 340 bakeries in several regions, affirming its preparedness to respond to any new emergencies.

The report also noted the completion of the second round of comprehensive assistance in Sweida, benefiting 525,000 people, with 80% of the target reached so far, in addition to the continuation of providing six public bakeries with approximately 400 metric tons of wheat flour weekly.

As part of its recovery support efforts, the programme reported providing 15,000 farmers with seeds and fertilizers, enhancing productivity and food security, in addition to continuing to provide assistance to some 77,500 internally displaced people from Sweida in various areas.

The programme emphasized that funding gaps, coupled with the difficult economic conditions and environmental shocks such as drought and fires, are limiting its ability to respond, noting that the minimum income covers only about one-third of household needs.

The World Food Programme concluded its report by reiterating its urgent need for $205 million by May 2026 to ensure the continuation of its operations. It warned that failure to secure $162 million by January 2026 could lead to disruptions in food supplies and the suspension of emergency assistance and the subsidized bread project.

J.J