Global food aid under scrutiny again as the State Department pushes back against allegations of widespread waste and mismanagement.
Officials insist they are moving quickly to deliver tens of thousands of tons of food to crisis zones worldwide. In fact, they say 59,305 metric tons of food remain in storage, both in U.S. and overseas warehouses.
“All food expiring before October 2026 has been programmed,” said a senior State Department official on Friday.
Moreover, the department has approved 44,422 metric tons of food for transfer or reprogramming. Global partners like the World Food Program, Mercy Corps, and Catholic Relief Services are handling the operations.That total includes 30,000 tons of short-dated food already assigned for delivery to countries such as Syria, Sudan, and Bangladesh.
An additional 12,000 tons await final reprogramming, which officials blame on a temporary budget freeze. However, they now confirm that issue has been resolved. “To the extent there was a delay, it did not come from us,” the official added. Meanwhile, media reports have accused the Trump administration of ordering 500 metric tons of food burned in Dubai.
According to Reuters, officials saved and shipped 622 tons to countries in need. However, they destroyed 496 tons, which cost $793,000, plus $100,000 in disposal fees.
That incident took place during a major restructuring of foreign aid programs. In July, the Trump administration dissolved USAID and shifted responsibility to the State Department. As a result, the department now oversees humanitarian aid and faces pressure to deliver results quickly and efficiently.
Critics, particularly Democrats, raised concerns during recent congressional hearings. They accused the administration of neglecting humanitarian obligations by burning usable food aid.
Still, the department insists those reports highlight only a fraction of the full story. “The narrative distorts a well-organized global food strategy.” Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the new direction. He said the U.S. would support nations demonstrating the will to grow independently.
“We will prioritize investment over charity,” Rubio stated. “And ensure resources empower sustainable economic development.” Global food aid under scrutiny continues as lawmakers and relief organizations demand transparency and timely distribution of aid.
Ultimately, whether this new model succeeds will depend on how quickly food reaches the people who need it most.
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