This report looks at WFP’s work in social protection after an unfathomably complex and tumultuous year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments around the world responded promptly to mitigate COVID-19’s socioeconomic impacts and protect the most vulnerable segments of their populations. However, despite the leadership of governments and strong collaborative efforts with the international community, it is clear that most countries’ social protection systems were not ready for this crisis.