Earlier this month, the Trump administration ended millions of dollars in funding to the United Nations World Food Program.
The funding cuts specifically targeted emergency programs helping to keep millions of people fed — and alive — around the world, including places like Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and 11 other impoverished and conflict-affected countries, according to the Associated Press.
“This could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” The World Food Program posted on social media site X, following the announcement.
The projects were reportedly canceled “for the convenience of the U.S. Government” at the direction of Jeremy Lewin, a top official at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, who also oversaw the elimination of USAID programs, per the Associated Press.
Despite the WFP’s commitment to “work tirelessly to reach vulnerable communities with vital food assistance in hunger hot spots around the world,” the organization’s need for financial contributions has become clear in the wake of losing federal funding.
One notable figure who has stepped in to help is children’s entertainer, educator, and activist Rachel Accurso. Or — as she’s more commonly known — Ms. Rachel.
This morning, Accurso shared on Instagram that she and her husband, Aron, would be donating $1 million to the World Food Program’s U.S. branch.
“This gift will help WFP provide 2 million lifesaving meals to those who need it most,” the agency shared in the caption. “We are beyond grateful for their support — it will truly save and change lives.”
The post also highlighted the couple’s “deep commitment to ending hunger for children and their families all around the world.”
This move, while especially generous, is certainly not Accurso’s first foray into international aid.
The self-proclaimed children’s rights activist has received heat for her support of children in Gaza, as well as her words of kindness during Pride Month last year.
Despite one group’s recent calls for a Department of Justice investigation into her support of Palestine, Accurso is not backing down.
“Children have human rights,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post. “These rights are not just for some children, they are for all children. Standing up for children, especially those who are most vulnerable, is the right thing to do.”
Her donation to the WFP seems to be an especially relevant one, though she did not specifically address recent funding cuts by the Trump administration.
“In a world with more than enough food for all, the existence of starving children is a devastating failure of our shared humanity,” Accurso added on the WFP’s announcement.
“No person should starve in a world with enough food for all precious people.”
Header images courtesy of Rachel Accurso and UNWFP
