In its 2026 Global Outlook released on Tuesday, the WFP projected that 318 million people will face acute food insecurity — more than double the figure recorded in 2019. Of these, an estimated 41 million will be in the “emergency” phase or worse, equivalent to IPC Phase 4 conditions.

The agency said it expects to reach only 110 million people next year, despite a projected $13bn operational requirement. Current forecasts indicate the WFP may receive roughly 40% less funding in the coming cycle.

Global Hunger Reaches Crisis Scale

The WFP said “food insecurity is expected to remain at alarming levels,” warning that simultaneous emergencies in Gaza and parts of Sudan have already crossed famine thresholds. Famine was declared in El-Fasher, Kadugli, and 20 other areas in Darfur and Kordofan earlier this month, amid fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army.

Executive Director Cindy McCain called the situation “completely unacceptable in the 21st century,” noting that conflict remains the dominant driver of hunger and accounts for more than two-thirds of acute food insecurity globally.

Funding Cuts Undercut WFP Capacity

The organisation said the United States — historically its largest donor — has announced major reductions in support following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House under an “America-first” agenda. The WFP warned these cuts will directly reduce its crisis-response capacity across multiple regions.

Climate shocks, economic instability, and rising food and energy prices are further straining access to food, with the agency highlighting deteriorating conditions across both low-income and middle-income countries.

Famine Hotspots Expand

In Gaza, months of blockade and restricted access to food, fuel and medicine pushed the IPC to declare famine in August. The WFP said the situation remains dire as restrictions continue. In Sudan, more than half a million people in camps around El-Fasher are receiving emergency nutrition support as conflict spreads eastward.

Other critical hotspots include Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and Nigeria, all facing compounding crises linked to conflict, climate and economic shocks.