PERU - PAMPA DE OCAS
« Santa Rita de Casia » soup kitchen for poor families

Location : Pampa de Ocas, District of San Andrès, Province of Pisco, Ica Department, Peru

Local Association
AIC – Pampa de Ocas ; President: Benedicta Salazar
AIC Regional Coordinator– Pisco: Victoria Chavez de Pinto

Objectives
Supporting the activities of the soup kitchen (« Comedor Santa Rita de Casia »), which is in a precarious situation, by purchasing new equipment.

Activities
- Purchasing equipment and materials: gas stove, gas car boys, saucepans, pans, kettles, plates and settings, tables and benches
- Preparing lunch menus from Monday to Friday
- Service and distribution to beneficiaries, at a token price of under1 €. Free for the poor.

Project
In the remote area of Pisco, South of Lima, the small rural community of Pampa de Ocas, gathering about 300 persons, was already well organized to face the extreme poverty of the area. But there were still numerous necessities. The inhabitants were interested in creating a small health center and in supporting a soup kitchen in favor of the poorest of the poor. So, the local AIC volunteer group decided to redevelop the existing municipal soup kitchen (“Comedor Santa Rita de Casia”). Although it was functioning precariously (outdoor wood fire kitchen), they managed to prepare meals for 35 adults and 15 children.

Beneficiaries
Poor families from Pampa de Ocas’ community, particularly children, mothers, elderly and disabled.

Local Partnership
San Andrés Municipality
Asociación de Pequeños Agricultores de Pampa de Ocas (Association of small farmers)
PRONAA (National Program for Food Assistance) of the Ministry of Health

Budget 2.000 Euros
Local contribution: volunteers’ time for the preparation of food; land and premises of the canteen; food donations from PRONAA and the Municipality