Foreign Aid, Food, and Our Future
Plus, a mini-dictionary of food-related programs across the humanitarian-development nexus, and ideas of how to help at the individual level
There’s a lot going on at the moment. Or, there’s not a lot going on, depending on how you look at the current context. By not a lot going on, we’re referring to the shuttering of humanitarian and development programs around the world, catalyzed by the funding and personnel cuts at USAID. Recent developments indicate that the US State Department’s budget could be cut by 50%, with the aims of dismantling USAID in its entirety. Under this proposal, all of the United States’ funding to the United Nations would be withdrawn as well.
This drawdown will have negative and lasting impacts for the people that directly benefit from these programs and the people that are employed to carry them out—and beyond. While the Trump administration undermines and vilifies its importance, the current international aid system was established in the post-World War II era as a means of enhancing global security and stability. Initiatives such as the US-led Marshall Plan and the establishment of the United Nations serve to support nations’ economic development, as well as to provide humanitarian assistance during and in the aftermath of conflicts and disasters, military aid, and political support, such as democratic reforms.
Misconceptions about how foreign aid actually works, and the United States’ role as a leading donor, persist. Though the US is the largest provider of foreign aid among all countries, less than 1% of the US’ budget goes toward foreign aid. This fact exists despite a misperception among the American public that as much as 25% of taxpayers’ dollars goes toward foreign aid.
Additionally, beyond the idea that foreign aid generally serves as a force for good, many might not be familiar with the specific types of programs that fall under the scope of humanitarian assistance and development aid. To address this gap, we offer below a short dictionary of food-related programs across the humanitarian-development spectrum, and feature some of the main actors working in this space.
We acknowledge that this list is not exhaustive. We also acknowledge that we have predominantly featured some of the largest international organizations and partnerships that implement these activities. These actors often serve as coordinating partners that facilitate the work of the many smaller, local organizations that bring these programs to life—and who also depend on foreign aid to fund their operations.
Rather, this list aims to increase awareness of the invaluable support that international aid provides for improving global food security and transforming food systems to ensure nutritious food for all on our warming planet.
Pocket Dictionary of Foreign Aid Food Programs
Food assistance
The distribution of meals and food goods to communities impacted by a conflict or disaster. Led by organizations such as World Central Kitchen and World Food Programme.
Cash transfers
Money provided directly to community members (either via mobile payments or in-person cash distributions) so they can buy groceries during conflict or in the aftermath of disaster, enhancing individuals’ agency while supporting local businesses and economies. Led by organizations such as IFRC and Mercy Corps.
Anticipatory action
The pre-positioning of food or finance in response to forecasts from early warning systems with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance at the onset of a natural hazard, before a disaster occurs. Led by organizations and partnerships such as Start Network and OCHA.
Climate and disaster insurance and financing
Financial instruments used as safety nets to support smallholder farmers and community members in the event of disasters, including insurance for failed harvests or damaged agricultural assets, and saving mechanisms for pooling financial risk among communities. Led by organizations and partnerships such as InsuResilience and World Bank.
Climate and weather services
The provision of meteorological reports and tools to smallholder farmers and pastoralists so that they can monitor weather trends and climate patterns to better anticipate the impact of natural hazards on food production. Led by organizations such as World Meteorological Organization and CARE International.
Livelihood support
Improving smallholder farmers’ income security and livelihood tenability, including through market access, skills training, and productive capacity-building. Led by organizations and partnerships such as IFAD and World Farmers Markets Coalition.
Climate resilient agriculture
Supporting smallholder farmers to adopt and implement climate resilient agricultural practices, including crop diversification, soil restoration, nature-based solutions for agroecological systems, improved water management systems, promotion of and support for local and Indigenous knowledge, and technology for more efficient resource use in food production, harvesting, and processing. Led by organizations such as FAO and CGIAR.
Cooking support
The distribution of cooking appliances and equipment, such as stoves and refrigeration, to homes and schools, which improves food storage and reduces food waste, increases food safety, and has positive health benefits. Led by partnerships such as Clean Cooking Alliance and Sustainable Energy for All.
Nutrition solutions
The implementation of solutions aimed at preventing and treating instances of malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes among communities, such as through access to healthcare and treatment; the provision of fortified foods; improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems; and the distribution of educational materials. Led by organizations and partnerships such as UNICEF, Action Against Hunger and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
School meals
The development of programs that ensure school-age children receive meals at school. These programs can also support community food security and local economies, such as by sourcing food for school meals from local producers. Led by organizations and partnerships such as School Meals Coalition and Food for Education.
The Future of Foreign Aid
As this overview hopes to demonstrate, foreign aid supports an important and diverse array of programs that is essential for eradicating hunger and uplifting communities worldwide. While the cuts at USAID are being felt across and beyond the humanitarian and development sectors, it’s left us questioning: How resilient is the current international aid system? The withdrawal of the current US administration from this space has unveiled just how dominant the US’ hegemony of foreign aid has been. We find ourselves asking: For whom is this most beneficial?
Given that the US is the wealthiest country in the world, there is a semblance of justice that it is also the largest provider of foreign aid. However, perhaps it should have never reached the point where millions of people’s lives and well-being are overwhelmingly dependent on a single donor. As we discuss of agriculture, monocultures are never good—we need diverse polycultures for food production to be resilient and sustainable. Similar logic should apply to foreign aid.
The unjust and unjustifiable dismantling of USAID by the current US administration has opened up a leadership gap in foreign aid, and it is manifesting as an open wound. Instead of coming together to stitch it back up, other wealthy nations and foundations are following suit and reducing their foreign aid spending.
Will anyone step up to ensure these programs continue, or will we see the collapse of the international aid architecture as we know it?
What can I do?
In the absence of leadership at the global level, we must not lose hope or sight of the importance of these programs. Here are some ways to empower yourself to be an advocate for your future on our shared planet:
Call or write to your local elected official to implore them to advocate for maintained support for foreign aid (as well as to support domestic welfare benefits) in your country. 5 Calls is a helpful resource for US constituents.
Read up on any of the above-mentioned organizations’ impact reports for a deeper dive into just how beneficial these programs are for the people they serve.
Stay informed of developments in this space, such as by following Civil Eats’ Food Policy Tracker for updates on the Trump administration's actions related to food policy, or checking out this list of terminated USAID projects related to food.