Friends of Chimbote feeds thousands with loaves and fish

The ongoing pandemic in Chimbote, Peru continues to devastate the poor we serve with the highest mortality rate in the world, health systems in collapse, and a vaccination rate of less than 5%.

The economic collapse in the cash economy due to COVID-19 quarantines and minimal government support has resulted in severe hunger for the poor. The elderly and handicapped have been even more affected due to their lack of mobility and increased risk from COVID-19. Feeding the hungry has been a part of our mission over the past four decades. This crisis is the worst we have seen.

With additional funding from donors and redirecting funds from other programs, humanitarian aid has been our top priority over the past 16 months. Working with community leaders and authorities helped us to identify those in greatest need and to receive permission to deliver aid during the quarantine.

Additional food supplies were provided to our existing soup kitchens, but capacity to serve more people was essential. Assembling food and water packages at our mission that could feed a family for a week and be delivered to those in quarantine became an ongoing program. We also identified Olla Comuns (Common Pots) in neighborhoods where meals were prepared and shared with those in need, so we provided supplies.

However, more was needed in the poorest barrios, especially in our new service areas of San Pedro and Cambio Puente in the invasions on the outskirts of the city. With funds from St. Michael’s of Prior Lake that had been raised to build homes on mission trips that could not happen, new soup kitchens were built and outfitted in San Pedro and Cambio Puente. Community members now cook meals for hundreds of families with supplies we provide.

With fish as a main staple of the Chimbotanos, our Mission team reached out to a local partner and fishing company, Hayduk. We were able to negotiate for 4,000 pounds of fresh fish at deep discount to be put on ice and delivered to the Bella Vista neighborhood in Cambio Puente.

The mission team set up at the new San Miguel soup kitchen with the fish and bags of bread from our bakery, Solidaripan. Without refrigeration in their homes, the fish would be salted, and one of the favorite meals of Causa with fish, potatoes, and onions would be prepared.

However, word soon spread into the neighborhoods surrounding Bella Vista. Hundreds of families lined up and patiently waited to receive bread and fish to feed their families. One by one for many hours, beneficiaries humbly presented plastic bags, tubs and buckets to receive and walk home with their precious fish and bags of bread. When the lines kept forming and getting longer, there was anxiety that some would be turned away. Over 350 families were served that day. No one went home empty-handed.

It was a day of wonder, solidarity, faith, and gratitude that we could feed thousands of people in a day and provide what many beneficiaries and ACAF staff believe was a miracle. During this COVID-19 crises, we have provided over 300,000 meals compared to 75,000 the previous year. New humanitarian campaigns are sorely needed and will continue to be delivered as resources allow.

Thank you for all that our friends and parishes in the Fargo Diocese have done and continue to do to allow our Fargo-based mission to impact and transform the lives of the poorest of the poor in Chimbote, Peru. We ask for your continued prayers and support.