World Food Programme Becomes First United Nations Organization to Receive the Lynn C. Fritz Medal
The organization is honoured with the award for Scout, its AI-powered humanitarian supply chain planning solution.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics. Presented annually by the Logistics Hall of Fame and sponsored by the U.S.-based Fritz Institute, the award recognizes outstanding innovation and impact in humanitarian supply chain management. This marks the first time the medal has been awarded to a United Nations organization. Previous recipients include International Medical Corps (USA), Strategies for Northern Development (Kenya), and Welthungerhilfe (Germany).
The WFP is being recognized for Scout, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solution that has been transforming upstream supply chain planning since 2022. By optimising decisions on what food commodities to procure, where to source them, and where to strategically position them, Scout enables humanitarian organizations to move from reactive, manual planning to proactive, data-driven and anticipatory decision-making.
“Scout is a compelling example of how innovation can help humanitarian organizations further strengthen their operations,” emphasizes Thilo Jörgl, Chair of the Lynn C. Fritz Medal Jury. “At a time when humanitarian needs are increasing while financial resources are under unprecedented pressure, the jury's decision sends a clear message about the future of humanitarian supply chains. Smarter planning, data-driven decision-making, and the responsible application of AI will be essential to delivering more timely, targeted and effective humanitarian assistance.”
Originally developed as an internal WFP initiative to improve needs assessment, procurement, and logistics planning, Scout rapidly progressed from concept to operational reality. “When used responsibly, artificial intelligence has the potential to transform humanitarian action. Scout demonstrates how AI and data strengthen our ability to make faster, smarter decisions in some of the world’s most challenging environments. This award is a recognition of the innovation and dedication of WFP teams, who are constantly developing new ways to make our operations more efficient and reach more people facing acute hunger with lifesaving support”, said Carl Skau, Acting Executive Director of WFP.
The jury also highlighted Scout as a pioneering example of practical AI implementation in humanitarian logistics. While artificial intelligence is often discussed in theoretical terms, Scout demonstrates how AI can already deliver measurable operational improvements in humanitarian response. “The tool applies advanced analytics to one of the most challenging—and impactful—areas of humanitarian logistics: planning supply chains before bottlenecks and disruptions occur. By improving preparedness and enabling smarter procurement and pre-positioning decisions, Scout helps humanitarian organizations respond more effectively and strengthen the impact of their operations,” the jury noted.
By improving forecasting, planning and efficiency at the start of the supply chain, Scout has already generated more than US$6.5 million in cumulative savings within just 24 months of deployment and will continue to scale, enabling WFP to maximise limited resources and reach more people with lifesaving assistance.
Among the factors influencing the 15-member jury’s unanimous decision were:
Scalability: Following its successful pilot, Scout has demonstrated that it can be adapted across multiple commodities, regions, and operational contexts.
Open-Source Potential: Developed by WFP, the solution has significant potential for broader application across the United Nations system and the wider humanitarian community, where efficiency, coordination, and collaboration are becoming increasingly important.
Sustainability: By improving planning and resource allocation, Scout contributes to more sustainable humanitarian operations through reduced inefficiencies, fewer unnecessary shipments, lower costs, and more responsible stewardship of donor resources.
On December 4, 2026, WFP representatives will present Scout during ConnectChains – The Humanitarian Supply Chain Conference at the Vienna Airport Conference & Innovation Centre. The event will bring together international leaders from humanitarian organizations, business, academia, governments, and the United Nations to discuss the future of humanitarian supply chains. Later that evening, Lynn C. Fritz, Founder of the Fritz Institute, will present the Lynn C. Fritz Medal during the annual Logistics Hall of Fame Gala at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
