Nearly $500 million in food aid intended for global humanitarian relief is at risk of spoilage as it remains stranded in ports, ships, and warehouses, following a funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration. According to a Feb. 10 report from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Inspector General, the halt in funding has disrupted the safeguarding and distribution of essential food supplies.
The report further warns of potential consequences for $8.2 billion in unspent humanitarian aid, as the administration ordered a pause on nearly all USAID operations, placing most staff on administrative leave and launching a review of U.S. foreign assistance programs.
The funding pause has led to significant delays in the distribution of life-saving food aid, leaving millions of pounds of perishable goods at risk of spoilage. The Inspector General’s report highlights concerns over the storage, transportation, and security of these food supplies, which were originally designated for vulnerable populations in crisis-stricken regions worldwide.
USAID is responsible for delivering food, medical aid, and disaster relief to countries experiencing extreme hunger, conflict, and natural disasters. However, the recent freeze in funding has forced many humanitarian efforts to be put on hold, creating uncertainty about when or if these resources will reach their intended recipients.
The funding pause is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reassess U.S. foreign assistance programs, citing concerns over efficiency, accountability, and national interest. The administration has indicated that the review is intended to ensure American aid dollars are used effectively, but critics argue that the sudden halt has placed critical humanitarian missions in jeopardy.
Supporters of the review say that increased oversight is necessary to prevent waste and mismanagement, pointing to longstanding concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of international aid programs. However, humanitarian organizations warn that delays in funding and distribution could have dire consequences, particularly in regions where food insecurity is already severe.
The report does not specify a timeline for when the funding review will be completed or when humanitarian programs will resume at full capacity.
As the review process continues, aid organizations and partner agencies face growing challenges in managing stored food supplies. Without immediate action, the risk of food spoilage could result in significant financial losses and missed opportunities to prevent hunger and malnutrition in at-risk populations.
Advocacy groups have urged USAID and the administration to prioritize the release of perishable food aid while the broader review is underway. Others are calling for greater transparency on how and when funding decisions will be made, emphasizing the importance of balancing oversight with urgent humanitarian needs.
With billions of dollars in aid still on hold, the long-term effects of the funding freeze remain uncertain. Meanwhile, food supplies continue to sit unused, raising concerns over the potential humanitarian impact of the delayed assistance.
