World Food Program USA Embraces Crypto Donations
World Food Program USA has opened the door to crypto donations with acceptance of more than 80 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, and Dogecoin. The newly decision has been made in partnership with The Giving Block. All this aimed at expanding the organization’s donor base while streamlining the giving process.
As financial pressures and humanitarian needs intensify, WFP USA is turning to emerging tech to push back against one of the world’s most urgent challenges—hunger. This isn’t just about convenience. With crypto’s unique financial advantages, the organization is hoping to maximize the impact of every donation.
Today’s hunger crisis is stark. Nearly 2 million people stand at the edge of famine, and a staggering 58 million rely on WFP for their next meal. Faced with that scale, traditional donation routes aren’t keeping up.
Crypto Donations Works Faster Than Traditional Methods
With global humanitarian budgets tightening, the need for new tools is more urgent than ever. Crypto donations, along with Bitcoin and 70+ others, offer a faster and often cheaper way to move funds. Unlike conventional donations, which can take days to process, crypto arrives in minutes—ideal for emergencies.
Dorota Amin, Chief Philanthropy and Partnerships Officer at WFP USA put it plainly: “In the face of record-breaking need and shrinking resources, we must do more than ask—we must adapt.” For WFP USA, adaptation means not only faster donations but also more money reaching the people who need it.
Cryptocurrency also brings added value through potential tax breaks. Donors may sidestep capital gains taxes while being eligible to deduct the full market value of their donation. That’s not just good for the giver—it helps stretch aid further.
Emergency Relief Fund Looks to Raise $25 Million
To tackle the growing demand, WFP USA launched its Emergency Hunger Relief Fund on March 31. The goal: raise over $25 million from private donors and the business sector in the U.S. The money will go straight into operations designed to feed tens of millions of people caught in conflict zones or devastated by natural disasters.
This fund arrives in response to WFP’s urgent warning of a severe funding shortfall. Without immediate financial support, food aid for millions could be cut. The crypto option, like Bitcoin, adds flexibility for donors who want to help but prefer digital giving methods. Amin underscored the shift, stating:
“Cryptocurrency offers donors a powerful pathway to create impact right now.” That impact, she added, is amplified when every dollar—or Satoshi—can be directed with more speed and fewer fees.
WFP has long used blockchain behind the scenes to improve aid delivery. Its Building Blocks program provides aid directly to refugees using secure digital wallets. This has slashed transaction costs by up to 98% and significantly reduced the risk of fraud.
Blockchain technology is getting food to people faster by skipping banks and middlemen. Now, by adding Bitcoin and other cryptos for donations, WFP USA is inviting the public to share in that same efficiency.
“Traditional aid systems are under immense pressure. Embracing new technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency isn’t just a choice—it’s necessary,” said Amin.