Nutrition and food security programs in Colombia and Peru

Colombia and Peru are implementing various nutritional and food security initiatives targeting students and vulnerable populations.

In Colombia, school feeding programs (PAE) have seen increased coverage. In the Atlántico department, the program has reached 70% of its 2026 budget, serving nearly 96,000 students with a focus on rural and ethnic communities. In Cundinamarca, the ‘PAE Nuestro’ model, originally launched as a pilot in 2024 by Governor Jorge Emilio Rey, has expanded to serve over 16,000 students across more than 300 schools. This model utilizes community action boards to manage resources and sources ingredients from local farmers to support the regional economy.

In Peru, the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (Midis) is coordinating with the Navy to establish maritime and fluvial transport alternatives to ensure food delivery to remote communities during potential El Niño weather disruptions. Efforts to combat childhood anemia include strengthening community kitchens and popular dining halls to support approximately 79,464 individuals.

Recent developments in Peru show a growing integration between school feeding and local agriculture. In Sechura, Piura, officials from Midis and the World Food Programme (WFP) inspected a model that links the School Feeding Program (PAE) with family farming. This initiative uses an economic subsidy modality supported by the WFP, allowing management committees to administer resources with community participation. Additionally, Field Schools for Farmers (ECA) in Bellavista de La Unión provide training in sustainable crop management and agroecology. This strategy is supported by organizations like the Jehová Nissi Collection Center, which connects 30 family farmers to food assistance programs to improve market access for goods such as sweet potatoes, cassava, and mangoes.