The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of over USD 24 million from the Government of the United States on 16 July 2026 to support food assistance for more than 150,000 vulnerable refugees and crisis-affected populations in Egypt, according to a press release. The funding will help sustain essential assistance and support stability amid growing needs. It enables WFP to continue providing monthly food assistance to the most food-insecure refugees. It will also restore assistance levels that were reduced last November due to funding constraints. The support contributes to broader stability by benefitting local markets within communities hosting refugees.
Egypt currently hosts more than one million registered refugees and asylum seekers. The majority are Sudanese nationals who fled conflict and extreme hunger in their home country. Many families face mounting challenges driven by displacement, rising living costs, and limited access to livelihoods. The contribution from the United States underscores its ongoing commitment to assisting people affected by the conflict in the Sudan. It reinforces continued cooperation between WFP and its donors in the region.
WFP assistance makes a tangible difference in refugees’ daily lives by helping families access adequate, nutritious food. WFP monitoring shows that households receiving support have better food consumption than those without assistance. The assistance targets those most affected by food insecurity. It also helps stabilize household conditions in host communities. Broader benefits extend to local markets tied to refugee-hosting areas.
However, needs continue to rise across Egypt. Inflation and increasing costs of food and essential services are placing additional pressure on already vulnerable households. Recently arrived families following the conflict in the Sudan are particularly affected.
“The economic pressures refugees are facing today make this support more critical than ever,” said Rawad Halabi, WFP Egypt Country Director and Representative. He added, “For many families, WFP assistance is not just support — it is their only lifeline. Thanks to the continued generosity of the United States, we are able to help families access the food they need and protect their dignity during extremely difficult times.”
The renewed U.S. contribution reinforces WFP’s ability to respond to escalating humanitarian needs in Egypt. It ensures continuity of monthly food assistance for the most vulnerable refugees. It also restores previously reduced assistance levels. The support helps protect households facing displacement and rising costs. It affirms sustained commitment to refugees affected by the conflict in the Sudan.
