Funding shortfalls force deep cuts to Syria food assistance: WFP UN officials warn that the cuts come at a dangerous moment, as families – already struggling to survive – are now forced to skip meals, reduce portion sizes and rely on less nutritious food. Children are particularly vulnerable, with prolonged food deprivation sharply increasing the risk of malnutrition. “We are being forced to withdraw a vital safety net at a time when people need it most with serious implications for food security, social cohesion, and stability, leaving the most vulnerable of families with even fewer options to cope” said Marianne Ward, WFP Country Director in Syria. Food insecurity across Syria Last year, the agency reached 5.8 million people across all 14 governorates through emergency food assistance, nutrition support, livelihoods programmes and social protection initiatives. But ongoing funding shortages are now forcing operations to shrink from 14 governorates to just seven.…