Honduras: Basic Food Products to Reach Drought-Hit Municipalities at Low Cost

BANASUPRO, Honduras' state-run basic products company, is launching an operation to deliver essential food items at affordable prices to 75 municipalities currently under a yellow alert due to severe drought conditions.

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BANASUPRO will begin an operation to bring basic basket products at low cost to the 75 municipalities that are under yellow alert due to the drought affecting different areas of the country.

The initiative, aimed at assisting communities struggling with the drought's impact, will commence on Monday. Mobile BANASUPRO units, accompanied by police escorts, will be deployed to ensure the secure transport and distribution of goods. This measure seeks to guarantee that vital supplies reach affected populations despite the challenging circumstances.

BANASUPRO is collaborating closely with the National Risk Management and Contingencies Secretariat (Copeco) and the Secretariat of Social Development (Sedesol). The World Food Programme (WFP) is also involved, as the organizations work together to prepare food rations and provide aid to families affected by the drought.

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BANASUPRO works in coordination with the Secretariat of Risk Management and National Contingencies (Copeco), the Secretariat of Social Development (Sedesol) and the World Food Programme (PMA), with the objective of preparing food rations and assisting affected families.

As part of a pilot plan, the first trucks will depart at 8:00 AM for San Antonio de Flores and Pespire in the Choluteca department, marking the start of food distribution. Products like beans, corn, and flour, considered essential items, will be transported. BANASUPRO stated that approximately 80% of the items offered by these units are basic necessity goods. The company also highlighted its competitive pricing, noting that its products are about 11% cheaper than supermarket averages and 4% below market averages.

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approximately 80% of the products included in the units correspond to basic basket items.

The operation's manager, Aarón Reaños, acknowledged the need for careful planning due to a limited number of available units. A schedule will be established to progressively cover all 75 municipalities on yellow alert. This effort underscores the government's commitment to addressing the drought's impact on food security and vulnerable populations.

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products marketed by BANASUPRO maintain competitive prices, indicating that they are around 11% below the average of supermarkets and 4% below the average of the market.