The Trump administration’s cuts to USAID funding have thrown a peanut butter plant for malnourished children into crisis. Millions of therapeutic food packets risk going to waste, leaving many children facing severe malnutrition.
USAID Cancels Contracts, MANA Nutrition Struggles to Cope
MANA Nutrition is a leading producer of therapeutic peanut butter for malnourished children.
The company provides high-nutrient food to several countries. However, a recent decision by the Trump administration has put it in crisis.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mark Moore, CEO of MANA, received a notice from USAID.
The agency had canceled most of its contracts with MANA. As a result, hundreds of thousands of peanut butter packets were stuck in storage. Without USAID, the company could not distribute them.
Moore immediately ordered a halt to USAID labeling on packaging.
However, the existing stockpile remains a massive problem. The company risks losing millions of dollars if no alternative solution is found.
Millions of Children Could Be Severely Affected
USAID has been the largest supporter of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
This funding cut could have serious consequences. According to UNICEF, many severely malnourished children rely on RUTF for survival.
Erin Boyd, a former nutrition adviser at USAID, warned of the dire impact.
She stated that many children could die due to a lack of therapeutic food.
“Even before these cuts, there wasn’t enough funding to treat all malnourished children,” Boyd said.
The freeze on aid programs affects more than just RUTF. Numerous humanitarian initiatives could be shut down.
Millions of impoverished children now face the risk of losing essential support.
USAID Faces Internal Crisis Amid Budget Cuts
MANA is not the only one facing challenges—USAID itself is in turmoil.
The Trump administration eliminated thousands of positions at the agency, forcing most employees into administrative leave and disrupting operations.
Moore revealed that USAID also suspended the contract officer he previously worked with.
“He called me from his personal phone, completely shocked,” Moore shared.
A legal document confirmed that the Trump administration had terminated over 90% of USAID’s funding programs.
This decision has left a significant financial gap in global humanitarian aid efforts.
What Lies Ahead for MANA and Malnourished Children?
For now, Moore is searching for alternative solutions. He hopes nonprofit organizations like World Vision or Save the Children can step in.
However, no concrete commitments have been made so far.
Without new funding sources, hundreds of thousands of peanut butter packets may go to waste.
Meanwhile, millions of children still require daily nutritional support.
USAID has been a key player in global nutrition programs. This funding cut may reshape the future of humanitarian aid.
Whether international organizations can fill this funding gap remains an open question.