Australian aid for Afghan food shortages

Australia will provide $5 million in humanitarian assistance to people struggling with food shortages in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Wednesday announced the federal government would provide assistance through the United Nations World Food Program.

"Australia's assistance of $5 million will support the most vulnerable, including women and children and people with a disability," Ms Bishop said in a statement.

"It will provide immediate access to specialised nutritional products, and fortify and distribute wheat supplied through the Government of Afghanistan's Strategic Grain Reserve."

The UN has warned 1.4 million people across Afghanistan are at a risk of food shortages, which has been caused by increased prices for staples such as wheat and vegetable oil.

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