Statement from World Food Program USA on $5 Billion Supplemental Funding for International Humanitarian Assistance Passed by U.S. Congress

WASHINGTON, DC (May 19, 2022)— World Food Program USA commends the passage of H.R. 7691, a bill that provides additional supplementary funding by the United States to address the crisis in Ukraine and its global impacts. This bill, adopted in the House of Representatives on May 10 by a vote of 368-57 and in the Senate on May 19 by a vote of 86-11, provides almost $5 billion in humanitarian assistance that can be used to address growing global food security needs in Ukraine and in countries impacted by the conflict there.

Prior to the crisis in Ukraine, over 44 million people in dozens of countries were already facing the looming prospect of famine. Global food prices had risen to record levels and humanitarian organizations like the United Nations World Food Programme were responding to a dramatic rise in hunger from the convergence of Covid-19, conflict, and climate change. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused global food prices to spike further and worsened existing hunger emergencies around the world, threatening global markets and stability.

The United States has long been a leader in the global fight against hunger and the single-largest donor to the U.N. World Food Programme. This latest action furthers that proud legacy, another reminder of the bipartisan and bicameral support for global food security that exists in the U.S. Congress. This funding will allow organizations like the U.N. World Food Programme—facing increased costs of food, fuel, and transport—to provide lifesaving assistance to millions of people around the world. It’s morally right, economically smart, and will help provide stability in a fragile world.

Media Contact:
Abigail Seiler
Senior Manager, Public Relations
World Food Program USA
aseiler@wfpusa.org