WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 12, 2026) — World Food Program USA mourns the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a longtime advocate for American leadership abroad and a steadfast voice for humanitarian assistance as an essential part of U.S. foreign policy.
For more than three decades in Congress, Senator Graham understood that America’s strength is also measured by its willingness to stand with people facing hunger, conflict and crisis. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs and as a senior voice on national security, he consistently recognized that humanitarian and food assistance help advance U.S. interests, strengthen partnerships and build a safer, more stable world.
“Senator Graham knew that food assistance saves lives, stabilizes communities and reflects the best of American leadership,” said Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA. “He believed the United States should lead with both strength and compassion, and he understood that helping families survive hunger and crisis is not only a moral responsibility, but also an investment in global stability and U.S. security.”
Senator Graham was a strong supporter of the United Nations World Food Programme and the lifesaving work it carries out in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous places. Just weeks ago, he joined World Food Program USA in honoring Cindy McCain’s service as Executive Director of WFP, recognizing the extraordinary impact of WFP’s work and the importance of sustained American engagement in the global fight against hunger.
At a time of rising global instability, Senator Graham often spoke about the connection between hunger, conflict and security. He understood that when communities are pushed into hunger by war, disaster or displacement, the consequences can spread far beyond borders. He also understood the opposite: when food reaches families in crisis, it can help preserve hope, support recovery and create the conditions for peace and stability.
World Food Program USA joins Senator Graham’s family, staff, constituents and colleagues in mourning his passing. We are grateful for his years of public service and for his longstanding support of U.S. global food security and humanitarian leadership. His legacy will be reflected in the lives saved and communities strengthened through the programs he championed.
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About the World Food Programme
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
About World Food Program USA
World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC, proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. To learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit wfpusa.org/mission-history.
