Half a thousand metric tons of emergency food aid destined for starving communities has reached its expiration date, and the U.S. plans to destroy these supplies before any relief can be delivered.
Why Did Aid Sit Unused?
According to a recent statement from the State Department, nearly 500 metric tons of high-energy biscuits—subsidized by U.S. taxpayers—were procured as a contingency under President Biden’s administration. Stored in a warehouse in Dubai, the supplies expired before they could be shipped to crisis zones.
A former USAID official told CNN that under previous procedures, personnel tracked expiration dates, coordinated with field missions, or donated surplus before wasting any stock. But after structural changes to USAID, those safeguards lapsed, leading to this outcome.
The Cost of Waste
Destroying the expired biscuits via landfill or incineration in the United Arab Emirates will add an extra $100,000 to the bill. 'This is the definition of waste,' said a former agency insider.
For many families without cooking facilities, these nutrient-dense biscuits are a lifeline, according to the UN World Food Program. In emergency settings—where every calorie counts—getting food to those in need is often a race against time.
Global Implications
This episode raises broader questions about how governments manage humanitarian stockpiles. With millions still facing hunger worldwide, strategic planning and efficient logistics can make the difference between feeding a child and letting aid expire.
As conversations continue about reforming aid agencies and improving supply chains, young changemakers and policy leaders are calling for more transparent tracking and creative redistribution strategies to ensure no food goes to waste.
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U.S. set to destroy 500 tonnes of taxpayer-funded emergency food
cgtn.com
