The initiative is led by the Food Network and Autopista Central of the VíasChile Group. The community space targets senior citizens who are at risk, receive the basic solidary old-age pension, whose individual income is less than the minimum wage and who live in the municipality of San Bernardo.

A total of two thousand five hundred senior citizens in San Bernardo are receiving food and toiletries from the first “Social Pantry,” a social initiative led by the Food Network, the largest food bank in Chile, and by Autopista Central of the VíasChile Group.

This project, a pioneer project in Latin America, is of environmental benefit to the planet, in addition to being a contribution to society. Since it began to operate last December, it has delivered more than 380 tons of food, helping avoid the emission of 72 kilos of CO₂ gas per month per beneficiary, or a total of 2,340 tons of CO₂ a year.

This initiative has a great social and environmental impact. The Pantry receives products rescued and then donated by members of the Food Network, which avoids emissions caused by food waste.

The community space targets senior citizens who are at risk, receive the basic solidary old-age pension, whose individual income is less than the minimum wage and who live in the municipality of San Bernardo.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The beneficiaries of the “Social Pantry” can pick up products in person once a week. Each registered beneficiary has a certain day and time to go. The Pantry has a delivery room in which the gondolas specify the number of products that can be taken.

Individuals can choose which products they want to take. No money is needed in the Social Pantry system. After one semester of operation, the “Social Pantry” has been of fundamental support to senior citizens considering the present economic situation in the country and the world in general, especially the increase in the cost of living.

The “Social Pantry” is located at Sánchez 116, municipality of San Bernardo.