Statement from USAID Spokesperson Matt Herrick on the World Food Program’s announcement today that it is suspending food assistance for more than 1.7 million Syrian refugees: 

"We are concerned by the World Food Program’s announcement today that it is suspending food assistance for more than 1.7 million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries due to a funding crisis. The United States has contributed more than $3 billion in humanitarian assistance for the conflict in Syria, which includes $935 million for food assistance to the World Food Program alone since the crisis began. Through USAID's Office of Food for Peace (FFP), the United States is by far the largest supporter of food assistance for the Syria crisis. The United States has provided 29% of the total World Food Program (WFP) funding requirements and 50% of total donations including food assistance within Syria and for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt. Governments across the region have already provided assistance in response to the overwhelming needs of civilians affected by the conflicts in Syria and Iraq—and we are urging them to do more. Without additional contributions, the WFP could be forced to reduce rations for Syrians throughout the region. We now have the combined challenge of historic levels of global crisis coupled with the lack of an approved FY15 budget. USAID has used all funding available to it for Syria as apportioned through the current continuing budget resolution. Once an FY15 appropriations bill or continuing resolution is passed by Congress, USAID looks forward to providing additional support to WFP for this response. Given the level of global crises, it is absolutely essential for the entire global community to step forward. We join WFP in calling on all donors to step up with funding now to avert lapses in this critical aid."