The Red de Alimentos Food Pantry was officially reopened this past Wednesday in San Bernardo, marking a joint effort with Carozzi to combat food insecurity. The project aims to provide weekly baskets of essential food items and rescued products to low-income families and individuals enrolled in the program.
According to reports from biobiochile.cl, this facility is part of a larger network of pantries that includes locations in Puente Alto, Renca, and La Florida. In total, the system benefits more than 7,200 seniors across various areas of the Metropolitan Region.
The partnership between Carozzi and Red de Alimentos includes an annual contribution and the monthly delivery of products such as pasta and tomato sauce. The goal is to strengthen food security for beneficiaries through a steady supply of basic goods.
Relief for Family Budgets
Alicia Hidalgo, General Manager of Red de Alimentos, highlighted the importance of these initiatives in mitigating hunger within the country. “This network helps reduce a very significant indicator in Chile: hunger exists today. A large portion of the population lives on just five thousand pesos a day,” the executive explained.
Hidalgo also emphasized the commitment of companies that donate specific products for this cause. “It is vital to have companies that commit not only to providing products that can still be marketed, but that also commit to donated products, as Carozzi is doing with this pantry, which holds great value,” she noted.
Santiago Valdés, General Manager of Carozzi, emphasized the direct impact on the elderly population. “There are more than 2,500 people in this senior segment. Our central focus is on them, and we hope they receive this benefit with the satisfaction and joy of knowing they will have a high-quality service every day,” the executive stated.
For local residents, the program represents much-needed relief amid the rising cost of living. Patricia Valdebenito, a resident of San Bernardo, shared that the aid is essential due to her low income. “This pantry helps me a lot because my pension is small. With this, we benefit greatly because what we take home lasts us for a week,” the beneficiary commented.
The reopening event also featured appearances by public figures, such as the character Oso Ambrosoli, joining an event aimed at transforming these centers into community gathering points.