WFP warns of worsening food insecurity amid funding cuts in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – More than 80 percent of Syrian families remain unable to consistently meet their food needs despite gradual improvements in food security, the World Food Program (WFP) said on Tuesday.
In its May 2026 country brief, WFP warned that funding shortages are deepening humanitarian vulnerabilities across the country.
According to the UN agency, only 18 percent of Syria’s population is currently food secure, while severe funding shortfalls have forced WFP to reduce emergency food assistance by half, increasing the risk of hunger, debt, and social instability.
The agency stressed that humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts must advance simultaneously, warning that unmet basic needs could undermine fragile recovery gains in communities affected by years of conflict and economic hardship.
The WFP added that rising living costs continue to erode household purchasing power. The Minimum Expenditure Basket has risen to approximately 24 million Syrian pounds, while planned wage increases would cover only about one-third of a family’s basic needs. Inflation and the depreciation of the Syrian currency between January and March further worsened economic pressures on households.
The report also highlighted ongoing displacement pressures. According to UNHCR, more than 448,000 people crossed into Syria from Lebanon by May 19 following renewed escalation in March. The arrivals included over 371,000 Syrians, more than 83,000 of whom intended to return permanently, as well as over 82,000 Lebanese nationals.
Meanwhile, severe flooding along the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa since May 25 has displaced residents, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted livelihoods during the peak harvest season. The floods affected some of Syria’s most food-insecure areas, placing additional strain on local food systems.
WFP said a delegation led by its country director visited Deir ez-Zor on May 30 to assess the impact of the flooding, monitor aid distributions, and meet with affected families and local authorities.
The agency also announced the launch of preparations for its new Country Strategic Plan, which will guide WFP operations in Syria and align with the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The plan is expected to be submitted to the WFP Executive Board in February 2027.
WFP called for urgent funding to prevent further humanitarian, economic, and social deterioration, stressing that investments in livelihoods, agriculture, markets, and social protection remain essential to supporting long-term stability and reducing dependence on aid.