Food baskets to 50.000 needy families in Colombia!

The hunger outlook in Colombia remains critical despite a slight improvement, as the latest report from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) reveals. The prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity decreased from 28% in 2022 to 26% in 2023, and severe food insecurity slightly dropped from 4.9% to 4.8%. Nevertheless, these figures highlight a stark reality: 14.6 million people suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity, and 2.7 million endure hunger. This translates to 28.4% of the population struggling to access sufficient food, with 5.2% consuming only one or no meals a day.

The situation worsens in specific regions. In 2023, 15 departments saw increases in moderate or severe food insecurity, notably in Vichada, Quindío, Cundinamarca, and Cauca. Hunger also rose alarmingly in Bogotá and 14 other departments.

In the face of these challenges, el Banco de Alimentos de Bogotá (Bogota Food Bank) continues its mission to provide nutritious food to the most vulnerable groups in society. This includes children, the elderly, mothers heading households, and people with disabilities, who often face extra barriers to accessing food. Additionally, the organization supports migrant populations and families at risk from violence and climate change, addressing the urgent needs of those affected by forced displacement and natural disasters.

The impact of Bogota Food Bank is significant. Every day, it distributes food to thousands, alleviating hunger and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities. The recent DANE figures remind us that much work remains in the fight against food insecurity—a long race where every donation counts.

Thus, we urgently call on the international community to support this mission. Together, we can significantly improve the lives of millions of Colombians, striving for a future where food is a right, not a privilege. Thank you for supporting our daily efforts. We invite you once again to help ensure that food in Colombia is a guaranteed right for all.

Links:

• Bogota Food Bank website

2024 is starkly demonstrating that climate change is not a looming future threat but a tangible and frightening reality. Extreme weather events and unprecedented devastating impacts are unexpectedly knocking on everyone's door, affecting both the planet and humanity. Currently, El Niño is putting Colombia in a tough spot, with the latest report from the Agricultural Entities' PMU revealing that 23,986 hectares of crops have been adversely affected by climatic conditions, including water scarcity, frosts, and wildfires. These challenges disproportionately affect small-scale farmers.

El Niño, a natural climate variability phenomenon characterized by the warming of the Pacific Ocean waters, predominantly impacts the Andean and Caribbean regions. It is associated with prolonged droughts and intense temperatures. Though the relentless sun has recently given way to torrential rains due to other meteorological phenomena and atmospheric conditions, the consequences of the El Niño Phenomenon on water resources, crops, and food supply are expected to be severe.

This global challenge calls for the implementation of social, environmental, and food security solutions. Climate change could push between 2.4 million and 5.8 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean into extreme poverty by 2030—a daunting figure, especially considering that 43.2 million people are currently facing hunger in the region.

In response to this emergency, the Bogotá Food Bank has been remarkably effective. It has distributed over 12 tons of food, beverages, and supplies to both relief organizations and communities, ensuring that no one goes without during this period. Additionally, it is supporting the farming families it partners with in more than 21 municipalities, helping them to mobilize their products.

Agricultural families are particularly vulnerable to climate change. They face reduced crop yields due to prolonged droughts and are at risk of flooding and soil erosion. A lack of crops means a lack of food for both farmers and urban residents. Without necessary climate adaptation measures, food production could dramatically decrease.

Addressing this issue is a collective responsibility. By preparing and taking real actions, we can ensure that rural communities remain productive and their activities revitalized, thus preventing food production from being impacted. We appeal once again to your generosity and that of your loved ones to join us in the fight against climate change and the battle against hunger.

Links:

• Bogota Food Bank website