Nearly half of Sudan’s lifesaving community kitchens have shut down in the past six months, according to humanitarian sources, leaving millions at risk of starvation amid escalating violence between warring factions. The closures—affecting an estimated 800 of 1,700 facilities—come as international funding for Sudan’s crisis response falls to just 16% of required levels, UN data shows.
The kitchens, operated by local volunteers with support from NGOs, had provided daily meals to 2.3 million displaced civilians before the current wave of closures. “When the kitchens close, people immediately start skipping meals,” said a Khartoum-based aid worker who requested anonymity due to security concerns. “We’re seeing families survive on one meal every two days.”
The collapse follows intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, which has disrupted supply routes and forced aid workers to evacuate. Analysts note the conflict has displaced 8.6 million people—the world’s largest internal displacement crisis—while pushing 18 million into acute food insecurity.
Humanitarian officials warn the situation could worsen without immediate intervention. “These kitchens were the last line of defense against famine in many areas,” said a WFP representative in a recent briefing. The agency estimates 5 million people could face catastrophic hunger by September if current trends continue.