College students across the nation are taking actions to help end world hunger through World Food Program USA’s Zero Hunger Generation (ZHG). See how one ZHG member is making a global impact on the fight against hunger with Freerice.
In 2025, funding for global humanitarian efforts has plummeted.
As major donors cut contributions, the ripple effects are felt across the globe – forcing aid organizations to scale back. In June, Humanitarian Action reported that “The United States of America — which funded 45% of the global humanitarian appeal in 2024 and up to 70% in some parts of the world such as Latin America and the Caribbean and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – announced a suspension and subsequent termination of many humanitarian contracts, with sudden widespread consequences around the globe.” Many countries around the world have also reduced their support for international aid, leaving a widening gap between needs and available resources.
Due to disruptions and cuts like these, many people in crisis zones now go without food and medical care. Protection services – including shelter for refugees – are off the table. Where water, sanitation and hygiene services disappear, the risk of preventable diseases and death increases. Many more disastrous consequences can and will arise because of cuts for communities that need aid the most.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a massive 40% funding shortfall compared to 2024. They have already been forced to cut ration sizes and caseloads in places where hunger is rising including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti. The consequences are especially devastating for women, children and the elderly.
WFP estimates that 14 million people could be pushed to the brink of starvation because of funding shortfalls and ensuing aid cuts.
The situation may sound hopeless, but it’s not. I spoke with William Lambers, a double graduate of Mount St. Joseph University and contributor to the Cincinnati Enquirer, The Washington Post, and other news outlets. Lambers also writes for Freerice, an online trivia game run by WFP. Each correct answer yields the cash equivalent of 10 grains of rice to WFP. These donations go where they’re needed most to save lives.
“Whenever there’s a country that needs help, they call in the World Food Programme to provide aid,” Lambers said.
WFP is the world’s leading humanitarian organization and the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. They work on the frontlines of the world’s worst hunger crises, delivering lifesaving food to over 100 million people every year. Despite massive funding gaps, WFP has remained on the ground in 123 countries and territories. They are the only source of food for millions of people.
My school, Mount St. Joseph, has a Freerice Team with 220 members. We compete in multiple trivia tournaments every year against other universities, all to make a difference and support the work of WFP.
Freerice is helpful at times like this. Programs are being shut down. More people are dying. It’s nice to know that there’s still a way to serve others when options seem to be running out.
This blog was written by World Food Program USA Zero Hunger Generation Member Aidan Christy and originally appeared on Mount St. Joseph University News. To learn more and earn credit for playing Freerice, sign up for the Zero Hunger Generation.
