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The United States government will destroy nearly 500 tons of emergency food, mainly energy biscuits, which were funded with public money and intended for populations suffering from hunger in areas of humanitarian crisis.
The products, stored for months in a logistics center in Dubai, remained in storage after the closure in March of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and will expire this month, reported the media The Atlantic.
This will involve an additional cost of 100,000 dollars for taxpayers, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the State Department.
The measure has sparked controversy, particularly because it concerns ready-to-distribute food designed to save lives in extreme environments, such as war zones or natural disasters.
A former USAID official who spoke with CNN on the condition of anonymity directly blamed the Trump administration for the deterioration of the country's humanitarian logistics.
"These cookies were the perfect aid for crises like the one in Gaza. It is heartbreaking to see them wasted," stated the former official. "With just two servings a day, they could prevent people's deaths," emphasized the source.
According to what was explained, before the cuts and restructuring applied to USAID, the staff maintained strict control over food rotation and donated or redistributed products nearing their expiration. That practice was lost after the partial dismantling of the system, as reported by several former members of the agency.
Although the State Department defended the destruction as an unavoidable risk within global contingency operations, experts question the lack of efficiency in resource utilization, especially when regions like Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti are facing extreme food crises.
"The expired lot was acquired during the previous Government as a contingency measure to cover unforeseen needs, which prevented its depletion before the expiration date," the spokesman explained.
The agency states that they currently have high-energy cookies available in other warehouses around the world, intended for individuals displaced by conflicts or natural disasters.
However, they acknowledge that the destruction of humanitarian products is not an isolated incident and has also occurred under previous administrations.
The episode adds to a series of criticisms regarding the U.S. government's humanitarian response capacity and resource management during times of increasing global food insecurity.
The 500 tons of food aid will be burned in the coming hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Destruction of Emergency Food by the U.S.
Why will the United States destroy 500 tons of emergency food?
The United States will destroy 500 tons of emergency food due to approaching expiration. These foods, primarily energy cookies, have been stored in Dubai since the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in March. The destruction will incur an additional cost of $100,000 for taxpayers.
What has been the reason for the controversy surrounding the destruction of these foods?
The controversy arises because the food was intended for populations suffering from hunger in areas of humanitarian crisis. The destruction of food ready for distribution, especially in contexts of war or natural disasters, sparks criticism regarding the efficiency of resource management, especially when regions like Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti are facing extreme food crises.
How has the Trump administration influenced USAID operations?
The Trump administration implemented cuts and restructuring at USAID, undermining humanitarian logistics. Former officials have noted that, prior to these changes, there was strict oversight of food rotation and products nearing expiration were redistributed. These practices were lost after the partial dismantling of the system.
What impact does the closure of USAID have on global humanitarian aid?
The closure of USAID has weakened the influence of the United States in global humanitarian aid. The agency was crucial in promoting democracy and humanitarian assistance in over 100 countries. Its dismantling, driven by the Trump administration, has sparked criticism over the potential reduction of humanitarian and development efforts worldwide.
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