People living on the streets of Guadalajara during the coronavirus epidemic will be among the beneficiaries of a major private sector/state government social welfare initiative that was launched this week.
April 13, volunteers and state employees set up a dozen distribution points in the metropolitan area from which they handed out packets containing one “full” meal and two “light” meals to homeless persons. The aim of the program is to distribute 16,000 packets each day for the next month.
Jalisco Sin Hambre (Jalisco Without Hunger) was the brainchild of the Guadalajara private sector.
“Normally the government convokes (these programs) and everyone else follows. This time it’s the private sector and we have followed,” said Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro.
In addition to the daily distribution of prepared meals, 80,000 despensas (food parcels) will be distributed to 20,000 families existing in vulnerable situations in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, and 30,000 more throughout the rest of Jalisco.
With a 390-million-peso budget, the Jalisco Sin Hambre initiative could touch the lives of as many as 400,000 economically-challenged Jaliscienses.
Donations for the food parcels will be received and assembled by the Cáritas Catholic charity, and distributed with the help of local parishes, food banks and NGOs. DIF Jalisco, in coordination with their municipal colleagues, will provide logistical backup to ensure the delivery timetable is met.
“There are no hidden agendas, we are motivated by the common good,” said Horacio Fernández Castillo, president of the Jalisco Sin Hambre committee.
Private sector backers of the program include the traders’ union of the Mercado de Abastos (Guadalajara wholesale market), Minsa, Verde Valle, Granvita, Progreso y Productos de Consumo (Grupo Z). State government agencies supporting Jalisco Sin Hambre the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (Sader), Education Secretariat (SE), Social Assistance Secretariat (SSAS) and the DIF. Many other NGOs and other civic groups, business chambers, schools, etc. will also participate in the project.