Peru
More than 800kg of recovered food provides meals to hungry, vulnerable communities
In celebration of Mandela Day 2026, Aspen Peru partnered with ADRA Peru in their Volunteer for a Day programme. This initiative focuses on strengthening food security and supporting vulnerable families in the district of Villa María del Triunfo, Lima.
The day began at Unicachi Market, where Aspen volunteers joined the ADRA Peru team and assisted with a food recovery effort to collect produce which was suitable for human consumption. Through this collaborative action, 803.2 kilograms of fruits and vegetables were recovered. This activity helped to reduce food waste thereby mitigating the environmental impact associated with food loss.
More importantly, recovered food was distributed to three community kitchens that provides daily meals to families experiencing economic hardship. These meals contribute directly to improved food security and nutrition within the beneficiary communities.
The Mandela Day activity continued at the Comité 1, Paraíso Bajo, San Gabriel Community Kitchen in Villa María del Triunfo, where volunteers supported individuals and families facing challenging social circumstances. During the visit, blankets, cleaning kits, and essential food supplies were delivered to vulnerable households that had previously been identified by the community organisation.
In addition to these donations, several improvements were made to the community kitchen’s facilities, including the installation of a new sink, curtains, and decorative planters. These enhancements helped create a safer, more functional, and welcoming space for the community members who rely on the kitchen’s services every day.
As a result, Aspen Peru contributed to strengthening the capacity of local community organisations to support vulnerable families, while also raising awareness about the importance of food recovery as an effective tool in the fight against food insecurity. The program not only provided immediate assistance but also reinforced Aspen’s commitment to creating sustainable social impact and supporting the well-being of the communities it serves.
