According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 51.7% of Peruvians experience moderate or severe food insecurity. In response, ADRA Peru, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, reported that in 2025 its Food Bank program recovered more than 916 tons of food fit for human consumption, reducing food waste and supporting more than 120,000 people in vulnerable situations across Lima and Arequipa.

ADRA said the effort follows an organized system. Recovered items are sorted and redistributed to community kitchens, soup kitchens, shelters, and educational institutions, strengthening a network designed to help ensure assistance reaches communities with the greatest need.

Impact in Lima and Arequipa

In Metropolitan Lima and Callao, ADRA Peru reported recovering 543.97 tons of food, benefiting 37,677 people. In Arequipa, the program recovered 372.54 tons, supporting approximately 85,000 people.

ADRA said the initiative contributes to food security for many families while promoting responsible and equitable distribution of recovered food.

Beyond food distribution

ADRA Peru said the Food Bank program also includes a long-term approach focused on development and sustainability. This includes training in nutrition, healthy eating, and food service management, in coordination with initiatives such as Huertos de Esperanza (Gardens of Hope), Impulsa Mujer (Women’s Empowerment), and AYNI Solidarity Markets. ADRA said these efforts are aimed at strengthening community resilience and supporting lasting change.

Training for community kitchens. Photo: Claudia Huanca

Photo: Claudia Huanca

Healthy recipe workshop. Photo: Claudia Huanca

Photo: Claudia Huanca

ADRA Peru said the program supports its mission of “serving humanity so that everyone may live as God intends.”

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site.