Washington, D.C., February 27, 2025 – Bread for the World issued the following statement regarding the announcement that more than 90 percent of humanitarian and development assistance grants and contracts administered through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of State have been cancelled. The statement can be attributed to Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World.
“Bread for the World is extremely concerned by the elimination of more than 90 percent of USAID grants and contracts, including programs providing lifesaving emergency nutrition supplements and medicine to tens of millions of people globally. As Christians, we urge the administration to quickly reinstate these programs so that lifesaving aid can get to those who need it.
“We have a duty to care for the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner. It is not too late for the administration to reverse course. Right now, people in five countries and territories are living in famine conditions. More than 45 million children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is immediately endangering their lives. Without the assistance the U.S. had been providing, millions of people – especially children – will likely die.
“International aid is less than 1 percent of the U.S. federal budget, but its impact is outsized in terms of saving lives and improving U.S. national security. These strategic investments make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
“Bread is also asking Members of Congress to call on the Administration to reinstate aid programs and include significant funding for humanitarian assistance in the upcoming fiscal year 2025 and 2026 budgets. Congress can and must play its constitutional role.
“‘Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did to me.’ Matthew 25:40.”
In 2023, USAID nutrition programs reached more than 39 million women and children globally with critical nutrition assistance, including:
- 28 million children with nutrition programs
- 11 million women with counseling on maternal and child nutrition and micronutrient supplementation
- 6 million infants and young children through nutrition education, resources, and programs provided to families and caregivers
- 256,000 people with professional nutrition training and skills development to deliver nutrition-related interventions
