Venezuela's CLAP food program undergoes silent dismantling

The CLAP (Comités Locales de Abastecimiento y Producción) subsidized food program in Venezuela is undergoing a silent dismantling. Established in 2016 under President Nicolás Maduro to combat food scarcity, the program has reportedly ceased distributions as of early 2026, following significant delays that began in August 2025.

While no official announcement has been made regarding the program's end, the administration led by Delcy Rodríguez has begun implementing alternative food assistance initiatives, such as low-cost grocery stores.

The discontinuation marks the end of a decade where the program served as a major intersection between the Venezuelan state and organized crime. The CLAP system was utilized by government officials and politically connected businessmen for illicit enrichment and money laundering. Notably, Colombian businessman Alex Saab has been charged in the United States with money laundering related to the program. Beyond corruption, the food boxes also functioned as a mechanism for social control within the country.