Vouchers and Cash Transfers as Food Assistance Instruments - Opportunities and Challenges

Food assistance refers to the set of instruments used to address the food needs of vulnerable people. The instruments generally include in-kind food, vouchers and cash transfers. While food transfers represent WFP’s traditional form of food assistance, this document shows how vouchers and cash transfers could be used by WFP as complements or alternatives to food transfer programmes.

In line with the Strategic Plan 2008–2011, vouchers and cash transfers will allow WFP to better adapt its toolbox to context and meet identified needs in a more flexible and appropriate manner. Under appropriate circumstances, the use of vouchers and cash transfers will harness WFP’s potential to provide assistance in ways that further strengthen local markets, enhance the productivity of small farmers and empower beneficiaries.