The United Nations has suspended its food aid program for Syrian refugees in Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, with 1.7 million predicted to go hungry in the coming winter unless substantial financial injections could be made.

According to UN agency, World Food Program (WFP), the initiative needs an additional US$64 million to provide support for refugees until the end of the year.

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Many of the refugees will go hungry without WFP vouchers, the agency said.

It warned of the potential "devastating" impact this would have on the already-struggling community, particularly in Lebanon where Syrian refugees account for about a quarter of the country's populace.

More than a million Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon, mostly in impoverished areas and living in unfinished structures, makeshift sheds and settlements.

The program's suspension comes at a critical time as many Syrian refugees enter their fourth winter under problematic living conditions after fleeing their homes to escape from conflict.

"This couldn't come at a worse time," said UN's refugee high commissioner Antonio Guterres in a statement.

The WFP's electronic food voucher program has already spent US$800 million where funds are scattered across various local organizations that house refugees, Reuters relayed.

Once funding arrives, the food aid program will be resumed immediately, the UN agency stressed.

Last month, the WFP had warned of the possibility of the food program's suspension and that it might be forced to impose a similar measure come January for people who rely on aid in Syria, where more than 7.5 million have been internally displaced.

The agency has already been forced to cut its food supply rations for 4.2 million people in Syria.

WFP's "life-saving operations" in Syria may be halted in February without additional funding, said WFP spokesperson Elisabeth Byrs.

With the current lack of funds, the agency said it is prioritizing the distribution of aid, especially to those living in higher altitudes and those vulnerable such as children and newborn babies. 

TagsWorld Food Program, Syrian refugees, conflict in Middle East