“The Food Bank of Mérida A.C., (Bamac) daily supports more than 11,000 beneficiaries living in extreme poverty; thanks to the participation of one hundred companies and the authorities of the three levels of government, it is possible to deliver some of the perishable food that is wasted every day in cities like Mérida, Yucatán. Up to 34% of all the food that is produced ends up wasted, we’re talking about 1,500 tons of food wasted every year”, revealed the director of the Food Bank of Mérida A.C., Alejandro Sauma Martínez.
The Food Bank of Mérida is part of a network of more than 50 food banks across the country, which aim to donate non-marketable foods to families in extreme poverty.
“The volume of food waste generated by the civil society is outrageous, the lack of food observed in some sectors of the population is more than evident and besides, this situation results in environmental pollution”, said the director.
Currently the Food Bank benefits more than 11 thousand people who consume the food they distribute, “most are direct beneficiaries, we go to their communities, either because we detect their needs or because they request the aid, we organize them, create a committee, and train them on how to deliver the food in packages,” the director continued.
Sauma Martínez indicated that there are other beneficiaries such as the civil associations that come to the Food Bank, to take the products to their community’s kitchens, rehabilitation centers, homes and all organizations that aim to support with food the people in need.
“They are given a nutritional package according to their needs and the number of people they serve; all of them receive from one to two packages a month, he added.
On October 16, the United Nations Organization will celebrate the International Food Day, and the Food Bank of Mérida will carry out several activities, mainly food collection.
“We are going to go from house to house with the support of the Mexican Army staff, we are going to visit the universities to join the collection activities, because we do not normally receive donations such as beans, rice, lentils and corn, “said the director of this organization.
“In the month of October we knocked on doors and opened spaces to receive these foods and deliver better balanced nutritional packages,” he said.
Currently, the Merida’s Food Bank receives the support of the City of Mérida, through the Municipal DIF, and it is basically for fuel, which is one of the biggest expenses they have for the transfer of food.
“Our commitment is not only to feed, but the packages contain at least 20% of the energy requirements necessary for optimal development of people,” Sauma added.
Whoever wishes to receive assistance from the Food Bank must send a petition with the list of beneficiaries, voter’s credentials, and proof of address of each of the possible beneficiaries, and a socio-economic study is carried out as well. The packages are aimed at families with children under 11 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with disabilities and adults over 60 years of age. For associations that are looking for the same help, they need to submit a petition letter, the list of beneficiaries, a copy of the constitutive act, in case of day care establishments copy of the agreement with Sedesol, a copy of the Federal Taxpayers Registry, proof of address, a copy of the INE of the representative or director of the institution and RFC.
TYT Newsroom with information from: laverdadnoticias.com
