The State Department says over 59,000 metric tons of food assistance are being actively distributed worldwide, rejecting reports that the U.S. is allowing large amounts of emergency aid to expire or be destroyed.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a senior official emphasized that “all food supplies expiring before October 2026 have already been programmed for use,” and that claims of widespread waste are “simply false.”
The agency confirmed that 44,422 metric tons of aid have been approved for transfer through partnerships with the World Food Program, Mercy Corps, Catholic Relief Services, and Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture. That includes more than 30,000 tons of short-dated commodities earmarked for crisis regions such as Syria, Bangladesh, and Sudan.
An additional 12,000 tons remain in queue for deployment, delayed briefly by a hold on Title II funds from the Office of Management and Budget — a holdup that has since been resolved.
“These reports focus on less than 1% of our global stockpile,” the official added, referencing recent stories about food incineration in Dubai. “The broader reality is an extensive, tightly managed distribution system operating on a global scale.”
Reports of Incinerated Aid Spark Criticism
The pushback comes amid political fallout over the destruction of approximately 500 metric tons of emergency food in Dubai. According to Reuters, while 622 tons were redirected to countries in need, 496 tons — worth nearly $800,000 — were destroyed as expiration dates approached, with an added $100,000 in disposal costs.
The incident has fueled Democratic criticism in Congress, where lawmakers accused the Trump administration of mismanaging foreign aid during a humanitarian crisis. The reports also surfaced amid the dismantling of USAID and the transfer of its responsibilities to the State Department.
Earlier this year, a temporary pause in aid deliveries prompted warnings from the former State Department inspector general, who estimated that $500 million in food aid was at risk of expiration. Officials now say distribution has resumed under a newly restructured model.
Rubio Defends Overhaul of Foreign Assistance
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who now oversees U.S. development and humanitarian programs, defended the administration’s broader vision for aid reform. Speaking at a press briefing earlier this month, Rubio said the U.S. is moving away from a “charity-based model” in favor of one that emphasizes growth, trade, and long-term sustainability.
“We will prioritize nations that show both the willingness and capacity to help themselves,” Rubio said. “Our resources should catalyze investment — especially from the private sector — and reduce dependency on aid.”
The new approach is also seen as a response to China’s expanding influence in the developing world, with the U.S. aiming to use strategic aid to bolster allies and promote economic self-reliance.
Despite mounting pressure from lawmakers and relief groups, State Department officials insist the aid is moving efficiently and that all at-risk food stocks are accounted for.
Still, scrutiny remains high as observers wait to see if the newly centralized aid effort can deliver on its promises — and avoid further costly missteps.
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