Social organizations – among them, the well-known communal pots – have been one of the groups most affected by the pandemic. Added to their complex situation is the impact of rising international prices for basic foods, as a result of various factors such as climate change, which affects the world’s harvests; the war between Russia and Ukraine and port congestion in China, among others.
In this context, these pots, led mostly by women volunteers, have had to manage to provide food to thousands of Peruvian families in vulnerable situations.
Faced with this reality, at Alicorp we decided to join forces, convinced that only united will we succeed. For this reason, we launch “Pots that develop”, a program that seeks to contribute to the strengthening and sustainability of the country’s common pots. We are starting with 110 communal pots in seven cities (Lima, Piura, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno), taking food donations, making equipment improvements and, above all, developing management skills, knowledge about nutrition, handling and food preparation, as well as how to start small businesses, for those who lead these pots. The objective is that common pots can be sustainable over time.
This is work that we have been carrying out together with strategic allies –social organizations such as the NGO Juguete Pending and other actors– during the coming months.
In this way, during the duration of the initiative, we will seek to benefit more than 11,500 people with 1,300,000 rations through access to essential products for adequate nutrition.
A necessary and urgent contribution
According to data from the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (Midis), in Peru there are more than 3,400 common pots formally registered, of which more than 2,400 are in Metropolitan Lima. Most are led by women, who spend about six hours a day doing volunteer work. A noble work worthy of admiration.
And why is it relevant to help these social organizations? I’ll give you some numbers. A study of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) pointed out that, as a result of the economic paralysis and confinement due to the pandemic, in 2020 the population in poverty and extreme poverty in our country increased to 30.1%. This figure increased by 9.9% compared to 2019.
People who benefit from communal pots have little or no access to adequate food. And in the face of this need, against all odds, the common pots re-emerged as community initiatives to face the ravages of the health crisis , according to a recent report of the Ombudsman. In fact, between July and September 2020 alone, there was an increase in spaces from 377 to 901, according to figures compiled by the Municipality of Lima .
But, just as they resurfaced, today they could be in danger, since the budget they had is no longer sufficient. In addition, they need to have tools and capabilities that allow them to move towards being self-sustaining.
together we can do more
We are aware that together we can achieve great things. For this reason, at Alicorp we also join the Successful initiative, “Save a Pot”, from where we will work with 12 common pots from various vulnerable areas of Lima, benefiting more than 1,400 people.
We will also accompany you with essential products, training, nutritional advice from professionals and information of interest about the current situation.
At Alicorp, we are convinced that feeding a better tomorrow also means accompanying more Peruvian families in difficult times. For this reason, we will not hesitate to attend and support with proposals that favor and improve the quality of life of more Peruvians.
In recent years, we have developed various programs that contribute to society, with programs such as Help Those Who Help, We Grow Together, Brands by your side and today with Pots that Develop .
I encourage you to continue adding efforts. Everyone’s commitment and solidarity are key at times like this.
