Cuenca Food Bank Expands Its Work Across Azuay

The Banco de Alimentos of the Archdiocese of Cuenca has grown from a small local effort into a wider food-support network across Azuay.

The project now benefits 40 organizations, including 14 foundations, nine community dining rooms, eight monasteries, six rehabilitation centers and three ecclesiastical parishes.

How The Food Bank Works

The food bank receives food close to expiration from companies in the food sector. It then classifies those products and distributes them in kits for people connected to the participating organizations.

The institution currently receives an average of 56,000 kilograms of food per month, including perishable and non-perishable goods, meat products, cold cuts and dairy. Of that total, about 41,000 kilograms are rescued for its solidarity work.

Father Joffre Astudillo, the entity's director general, said the support has allowed the food bank to reach 12 of Azuay's 15 cantons.

Volunteers Also Receive Support

The food bank also supports about 60 volunteers. They take turns helping one day a week and receive 12 kilograms of food in return.

Astudillo said the volunteers come from different ecclesiastical parishes and receive training in proper food handling.

What Comes Next

The food bank has two stated goals. In the short term, it plans to adapt its facilities at the Seminario de Monay. In the long term, it hopes to industrialize the entity and consolidate itself as one of the country's most important food banks.

The organization has also presented a new institutional image and is calling on residents to support its work through food donations.

Source: El Mercurio