Support for migrants in Brazil left without meals after Trump’s cut
20 de February de 2025
By Jadson Lima – From Cenarium
MANAUS (AM) – Measures taken by the President of the United States (U.S.), Donald Trump, to cut funding for foreign programs since he took office in January this year are causing impacts in Brazil. On Monday, the 17th, the organization Cáritas Brasileira announced the suspension of food and water distribution for migrants in Boa Vista (RR), which was carried out through the “Project Sumaúma: Nourishing Lives” and “Orinoco: Waters That Cross Borders.”
In a press release, the entity informed that the projects were 100% funded with resources from the U.S. On January 20, Trump signed an executive order freezing foreign aid disbursements worldwide for 90 days. The financial support was provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). According to CNN Brazil, the measure raised concerns among humanitarian authorities and the U.S. State Department.
“The Project Sumaúma: Nourishing Lives” distributed about 1,800 meals daily to migrants, Monday through Friday, at the Reception and Support Post (PRA) in Boa Vista. Most of those assisted at the facility are Venezuelans living in the capital of Roraima. In operation since August 2022, the project served approximately 1.2 million meals and assisted more than 40,000 people.
According to the statement, food distribution respected “the cultural choices of the people served, ensuring a high nutritional value diet.”
“Cáritas Brasileira operates through programs and projects, each with a specific scope of action aimed at promoting dignity and ensuring rights. Currently, 100% of the funds for these two initiatives come from the United States. However, due to the absence of new financial contributions and the lack of funds in hand to guarantee their continuity, Cáritas Brasileira has made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend these programs,” reads a section of the statement.
In addition to food distribution, Cáritas Brasileira also announced the suspension of the Orinoco project, which provided migrants access to restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, and laundries. The facilities operating under the project, located in Boa Vista and the municipality of Pacaraima (RR), which borders Venezuela, served up to 1,000 people per day. By Monday, the space was already closed.
Cáritas Brasileira also reported that it continues to engage in dialogue with project donors and emphasized that it “remains firm in its mission of service, solidarity, and hope, always seeking alternatives to strengthen its work with those who need it most.” The organization also announced a spontaneous fundraising campaign to resume the projects.
CENARIUM contacted Brazil’s Ministry of Human Rights to request a statement on what the ministry will do following the suspension of food distribution for migrants in the country, as it involves guaranteeing basic rights, and is awaiting a response.