The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is not a temporary disruption but the start of a systemic shock to global food prices, the U.N. food agency warned Wednesday. This could trigger a severe global food price crisis within six to 12 months unless governments act quickly, as decisions now by farmers and governments on fertilizer use, imports, financing, and crop choices will determine whether food prices spike later this year or in early 2027. Therefore, it is imperative to start seriously thinking about how to increase countries’ absorption capacity and resilience to this choke point to minimize potential impacts.
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Record-setting drought, extreme temperatures, and the spread of crop diseases have devastated the U.S. wheat crop this season, leading to the smallest yield since 1972. Farmers are facing a “double whammy” of poor crop potential and soaring input costs for fertilizer and fuel. Many are forced to rely on crop insurance and are experiencing significant financial losses, with some considering the viability of continuing to farm. Climate change is exacerbating these extreme weather events, making farming increasingly challenging and impacting the U.S. position in the global wheat market.
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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has reported a fourth instance of Russia laundering stolen Ukrainian grain through Egyptian ports since April, with the vessel Asomatos unloading 26,900 tonnes of wheat in Abu Qir. This occurred despite Ukraine’s official request to Egypt’s Ministry of Justice for the arrest of the vessel and its cargo, which was exported by a sanctioned company via occupied Crimea. Ukraine expressed bewilderment at Egypt’s continued acceptance of stolen grain, especially considering Ukraine’s long-standing role as a guarantor of Egypt’s food security, urging Egyptian partners to uphold international law and seize, rather than accept, looted goods.
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Gaza no longer has famine, says global hunger monitor, and that’s the headline we’re grappling with here. It’s a statement that immediately sparks a lot of thoughts, doesn’t it? It’s like a sigh of relief, but also a complex question mark. How did we get here? And what does it *really* mean?
The improvement, as per the reports, seems linked to increased access for aid trucks. That’s a crucial point. It suggests that the factors contributing to the potential for famine were related to the delivery of essential supplies. The immediate implication is that the cessation of these restrictions played a significant role in improving the situation.… Continue reading
The Honolulu Charter Commission is considering a proposal to enshrine the right to food in the city’s charter, which would make Honolulu the first U.S. city to do so. This proposed amendment aims to address food insecurity issues on Oʻahu by ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents, potentially influencing city policies. While the concept is globally recognized, and Maine has already adopted similar measures, the specific implementation in Honolulu, a city within a state and federal system, could be complex and require a long-term commitment. The amendment is one of 276 submitted proposals, with a public review period beginning in December, and will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot if approved by the commission.
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USDA tells states to undo efforts to issue full food aid benefits, and it’s a gut punch, plain and simple. It’s like a cruel joke, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner. The whole situation has this air of desperation and political maneuvering that’s hard to stomach. The core issue boils down to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is designed to help families afford food.
The initial reaction from some corners is a classic blame game. “It’s the Democrats’ fault,” they’ll say, trying to deflect responsibility for the consequences. It’s a frustrating cycle where courts mandate SNAP payments, but some Republicans seem determined to block them.… Continue reading
Senators Susan Collins and Josh Hawley, along with several Republican colleagues, have introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act to guarantee continued SNAP benefit payments amidst the ongoing government shutdown. This bill addresses concerns of potential SNAP shortfalls reported by multiple states. The legislation seeks to provide full funding for SNAP, ensuring uninterrupted benefits retroactive to the shutdown’s commencement. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations who depend on SNAP for food security while Congress works to resolve the shutdown.
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AP News reports that two federal judges issued nearly simultaneous rulings on Friday mandating the Trump administration continue funding SNAP, the nation’s primary food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The judges’ decisions came a day before the USDA planned to halt SNAP payments, impacting the program that serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs approximately $8 billion monthly. Democratic officials challenged the administration’s plan, arguing it had a legal obligation to keep the program operational, leading the judges to order the use of emergency reserves to maintain benefits and reinstate work requirement waivers, thus safeguarding millions from potential food insecurity.
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Due to the government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a suspension of SNAP benefits, impacting the food security of millions of Americans. These individuals will now have to turn to food pantries already facing strain due to federal cuts and elevated food prices. While millions face this uncertainty, the president is occupied with designing a White House ballroom and creating social media content. Congressional Democrats are being accused of attempting to improve the lives of millions of Americans by extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
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SNAP funding expiration set to hit 40 million people, and it’s hard not to feel the weight of that reality. It’s a staggering number, representing a significant portion of the American population who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. The looming expiration of this vital funding is more than just a policy issue; it’s a potential crisis that threatens the well-being of millions, particularly at a time when food prices are already a major concern.
The absence of government support and rising food costs form a troubling combination. With SNAP dollars flowing back into local economies, supporting farms and businesses, its loss could have far-reaching consequences.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood