Country Projects: Colombia

Overview

Food banks have operated in Colombia for more than a decade; there are currently 28 food banks across the country. According to the United Nations Development Programme, 13 percent of the Colombian population is undernourished. 

GFN’s Involvement

GFN has been engaged in food banking in Colombia since 2006. Two of the nation’s food banks—Banco de Alimentos - Arquidiócesis de Bogotá and Banco de Alimentos de Fundación SACIAR (in Medellín)—are Independent Certified Food Bank Members of GFN.

We have provided these food banks with:

  • Technical and operational support
  • Food sourcing assistance
  • Partnership development
  • Funding for infrastructure
  • Scholarships to attend the H-E-B / GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute over the past three years.

In September 2008, GFN staff members along with the executive directors of the Argentine and Mexican food bank networks participated in a day-long meeting with representatives from the 28 Colombian food banks and several of their key donors. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the benefits of a national network for the food banks and develop consensus as to whether such a network was appropriate for Colombia. At the meetings’ conclusion, the food banks voted unanimously to create a national network and established a committee to undertake planning and implementation.

Learn more about Banco de Alimentos - Arquidiócesis de Bogotá and Banco de Alimentos de Fundación SACIAR.