Summary
Funding cuts from the United States have affected the World Food Programme's ability to support local farmers and school feeding programs in Haiti. The organization has been working to buy more food locally to support farmers and feed schoolchildren, but now faces a $44 million funding gap. This funding shortage could impact food assistance and local farming efforts in Haiti.
Key Facts
- The World Food Programme provides food to local schools in Haiti, feeding about 600,000 students daily.
- Over the past decade, the organization has increased local food sourcing in Haiti to about 72% of its needs.
- The aim is to source 100% of school meal food locally by 2030.
- In early 2024, U.S. funding cuts created a $44 million shortfall for the Programme in Haiti.
- Haiti is dealing with increased gang violence and more than a million displaced people.
- As of October, 5.7 million Haitians face severe hunger.
- Small-scale farmers like Antoine Nelson depend on these programs to sell their produce and support their families.
- Experts warn that without enough funding, important food assistance programs may end.
