https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000170274/download/

Food insecurity is expected to remain at alarming levels as we enter 2026. Beyond visible famine, hidden hunger – micronutrient deficiencies affecting billions – weakens health systems, stunts economic growth, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and instability. The World Food Programme (WFP) has the teams and deep-field expertise to make sure every dollar donated achieves the maximum impact through effective and efficient programmes. We are urging the international community to invest in proven solutions to stop the spread of hunger and get back on track in 2026 towards a world with zero hunger.
 

Citations:

WFP. 2025. WFP 2026 Global Outlook. Hunger and Hope: Innovative Solutions to Address Food Insecurity. Rome.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71958/wfp131186
Document File
WFP 2025 Global Outlook: Mid-year update
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WFP 2025 Global Outlook
PDF | 7.71 MB Download

2026: Urgent needs call for innovative responses

The 2026 Global Outlook paints a stark picture of global food insecurity but also highlights pathways for hope. An estimated 318 million people face acute hunger – double pre-pandemic levels – with 41 million at Emergency levels or worse (IPC Phase 4+). Two famines have been confirmed in Gaza and parts of Sudan, marking the first time this century famine has struck two countries simultaneously. Sixteen hunger hotspots, from Haiti and Mali to Afghanistan and Yemen, remain at high risk. Conflict drives 69 percent of hunger, while climate shocks – droughts, floods, and storms – compound the crisis. Syria’s crop production is down 60 percent, and Hurricane Melissa recently devastated Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.

Despite these challenges, the Outlook emphasizes solutions. WFP aims to assist 110 million people in 2026 with an operational requirement of US$13 billion. Innovation and partnerships are central to this effort: AI-powered tools like SCOUT optimize supply chains, saving millions, while digital cash transfers and anticipatory action protect lives before disasters strike – every dollar invested saves seven dollars in losses.

Areas of focus

Three WFP parachute icons and a pie chart showing 74% in dark purple, indicating a major share of emergency food assistance.

Emergency

74 percent (US$9.6 billion) of the total is for emergency response
Green graphic of a family under an umbrella next to a pie chart showing 22%, symbolizing protection or coverage.

Resilience

22 percent (US$2.9 billion) of the total is for building resilience
Three orange starburst icons next to a pie chart showing 4%, representing a small proportion or minimal impact.

Root causes

4 percent (US$0.5 billion) of the total is for tackling root causes of hunger

2026 will be a year of unrelenting crises

But WFP's work can have a powerful impact on the lives of millions of people. Be part of the solution.
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