In July 2024, the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, the Fraternidad Medellín Foundation, EatCloud, Ábaco, and the Presentes Corporation joined forces under the “Medellín Zero Hunger” alliance with the purpose of combining efforts to eradicate hunger in the city.

The initial goal of the project was to redirect 660,000 meals in six months—food that goes to waste in restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets, but is still in perfect condition. This target was largely exceeded, reaching a total of 1,053,373 meals as of December 18, 2024. By that same date, 494,706 kg of food had been rescued and delivered to 36 social organizations working in neighborhoods with vulnerable populations. According to data from the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, more than 30,600 families were benefited. It is important to highlight that the collection of this food was carried out through the Medellín Food Banks.  

Another key strategy was the donation of resources. Through this initiative, 1.686 billion pesos were raised and transformed into food packages to combat severe food insecurity, which affects 34% of households in Medellín. The “Medellín Zero Hunger” Alliance, which operates under the Medellín Solidaria program (a strategic initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Medellín for supporting populations in extreme poverty), seeks not only to provide food but also to create opportunities for life transformation, integrating school feeding programs, self-sustaining community gardens, and food rescue initiatives. 

It is worth highlighting the important work of “Las Madrinas,” a group of women supported by the Alliance who provide comprehensive assistance by delivering food baskets and food vouchers, and carrying out diligent follow-up to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, as well as supporting them if they have other basic needs. 

For this year, the goal is to continue joining intersectoral efforts, thereby ensuring access to quality food for the most vulnerable population through the coordination of resources, capabilities, and talents in an alliance where each partner commits to ongoing cooperation, to transform and work toward the shared purpose of ensuring that no family in Medellín goes to bed hungry.