Agape Hand

High in the mountains of Tarma, Cochas, Huasahuasi, and Huancayo, a group of courageous women is transforming their lives through the art of weaving and craftsmanship. Thanks to AGAPE HAND’s empowerment project, 250 adult women have discovered not only the skill to create but also the strength to forge a self-sustaining and dignified future for their families.

For centuries, weaving has been a fundamental part of the cultural identity of Andean communities. However, many women in these regions have faced economic hardship and limited development opportunities. This project was born with the vision to change that reality by providing tools, training, and access to markets so they can live with dignity from their art.

The Power of Weaving and Handicrafts

Through training in both traditional and modern weaving techniques, these women have learned to create high-quality products that reflect their culture and talent. From blankets, chullos, and scarves to alpaca dolls and crocheted roses, each piece is a work of art carrying the history and resilience of its creator. Most importantly, these women now have economic autonomy and the ability to make decisions about their finances, actively contributing to their communities' economic growth.

An inspiring example is Doña Felicita, a 58-year-old woman from Cochas who, after losing her husband, found not only income but also purpose through weaving. Today, she teaches other women in her community, multiplying the impact of the project.

A Project That Needs to Grow

While we have taken a great step with 250 empowered women, we know many more are still waiting for an opportunity. Our goal is to empower 500 women by the end of 2025, providing not only weaving training but also comprehensive support in personal development, leadership, and product marketing. We want to expand this project, reach more women in Tarma, Cochas, Huasahuasi, and Huancayo, strengthen their training, and open more national and international markets for their products. To achieve this, we need your help.

Join the Cause

You can be part of the change. With your support, we can continue training and equipping more women so they can move forward with their own hands. Stories like that of Doña Margarita, a single mother from Huasahuasi who was able to send her daughter to university thanks to income from weaving, show us that every donation has a face, a dream, and the power to transform. Or Hermelinda, from Huancayo, who overcame domestic violence and now runs her own weaving workshop, inspiring other women to believe in themselves.

In the most remote areas of Peru, anemia severely affects the most vulnerable communities. Children and elderly people face the daily consequences of malnutrition, which limits their development and well-being. AGAPE HAND has been tirelessly working to deliver food and vitamins to these homes, but the scale of the problem is still massive.

Like in a Studio Ghibli world, at AGAPE HAND we believe in the magic of solidarity, in the connection between humanity and nature, and in the transformative power of hope. Every step we take is guided by the vision of a future where vulnerable communities can thrive alongside the land that sustains them. ✨🌿

Our Roots: A Journey to the Mountains of Peru In the heart of the Andes, we work alongside rural communities striving to improve their living conditions. Through our programs, we provide the tools and knowledge needed to enhance their lives and well-being. We believe that by supporting rural communities, we contribute to the development of the entire region. Support in the Peruvian Jungle: Helping Indigenous Communities In the Peruvian jungle, we work closely with the Shipibo and Asháninka communities to support their development initiatives. We strive to strengthen their economies and ensure their voices are heard. In each of our projects, we aim for sustainability and the overall well-being of the people and the environment they inhabit. Food Aid: A Plate of Hope for Everyone Food security is one of the pillars of our mission. We know that for many families in the most vulnerable areas, the daily struggle is simply to have enough to eat. That's why we bring food to these communities, ensuring each home receives what they need to overcome moments of scarcity. A plate of food can make the difference between despair and hope.

In Peru, 4 out of 10 children live in extreme poverty, facing hunger, malnutrition, and lack of access to education and healthcare. This crisis mainly affects rural and indigenous communities, where many families struggle to secure even a single meal per day. Child hunger not only causes health problems but also hinders educational development and limits opportunities for a better future. At AGAPE HAND, we work tirelessly to end hunger and bring hope to thousands of vulnerable children.

🌎 Causes of Child Hunger in Peru’s Rural Communities Hunger in Peru is caused by multiple factors, including: ✔️ Lack of employment and low income: Many families cannot afford nutritious food. ✔️ Limited access to education: Without education, children have fewer chances to break the cycle of poverty. ✔️ Inequality in healthcare access: Malnutrition worsens due to a lack of medical care. ✔️ Climate change and economic crises: These factors affect food production and increase prices. 💙 Our Mission at AGAPE HAND: Bringing Hope to Those in Need

In the most remote corners of rural Peru, in the highlands and the jungle, thousands of elderly people live in extreme poverty, without access to food, healthcare, or family support. At AGAPE HAND, we work tirelessly to change this reality and bring hope to those who have been forgotten.

🌿 Providing Humanitarian Aid in Vulnerable Areas Our social work extends to communities in Huancavelica, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Ucayali, and more, where senior citizens face abandonment and severe malnutrition. Through our social assistance and food programs, we deliver food, clothing, and basic care to those who need it most. 🥖 Zero Hunger Program: Food and Sustainability Hunger in Peru remains a silent crisis. That’s why we promote food security through food donations and training in ecological production, weaving, and handicrafts. This way, communities can generate sustainable income and improve their quality of life.

Every March 21st, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This date is not just a reminder of past injustices but an urgent call to action against racism that still exists in our societies today. Racism is not just an act of hatred. It is a system of inequality that affects millions of people, denying them opportunities and basic rights. At Agape Hands, we work in indigenous and rural communities, where we witness firsthand how discrimination perpetuates hunger, poverty, and social exclusion.

Racism Is Not a Thing of the Past

We often hear statements like "racism no longer exists" or "everyone has the same opportunities." However, the reality tells a different story: 📌 Indigenous and Afro-descendant populations in Latin America face higher rates of poverty and social exclusion. 📌 Access to education and healthcare remains unequal, affecting racialized communities. 📌 Structural racism prevents many people from obtaining decent jobs, basic services, and development opportunities. The color of one's skin should not determine their future. However, racism remains an invisible but powerful barrier that limits lives and dreams.

Racism and Hunger: An Inseparable Connection

In our daily work, we see how racial discrimination worsens food insecurity. Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities have less access to productive land, fewer economic opportunities, and little representation in decision-making. When racism excludes entire communities from development, it condemns them to poverty and hunger. That is why fighting racism is also fighting social injustice.

What Can We Do to Eradicate Racial Discrimination?

Change will not happen on its own. It requires action. Here are some concrete steps we can all take to build a fairer world: 🔹 Educate and raise awareness The first step to eradicating racism is acknowledging its existence. Inform yourself, listen to testimonies, read about the history of discrimination, and learn to recognize racist attitudes, even the most subtle ones. 🔹 Challenge our own prejudices We have all grown up in societies where racism exists. It is important to reflect on our own thoughts and stereotypes to unlearn harmful ideas and develop a more inclusive mindset. 🔹 Speak up against discrimination We cannot stay silent in the face of injustice. If you witness an act of racism, speak up, support the affected person, and demand change. 🔹 Support marginalized communities Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities have historically been excluded. We can contribute by supporting their businesses, promoting their rights, and advocating for policies that ensure equal opportunities. 🔹 Be agents of change in our surroundings Every action counts. Within our families, workplaces, and communities, we can promote inclusion and equity. A racist comment, an offensive joke, or a discriminatory attitude should not be normalized.

Agape Hands: Fighting Racism with Solidarity

In the heart of the most forgotten rural communities, extreme poverty becomes a silent death sentence. Hunger not only weakens the body but also extinguishes hope. Ceferina, 82 years old, is the reflection of a devastating reality: elderly people abandoned, without resources, without medical care, and without access to a dignified meal. A Life Marked by Need Ceferina lives alone in a small adobe house that barely protects her from the cold and rain. She has no family, no income, and many days, no food. Despite her old age and fragile health, she struggles to survive with the little that neighbors can spare. But in a community where everyone faces extreme hardship, help is scarce, and hunger is constant.

In the most remote corners of the world, where roads are dirt paths and access is nearly impossible, thousands of people live in oblivion. Elderly individuals, children, and entire families face hunger alone, without access to the basics needed to survive. At Agape Hand, we strive to reach them, bringing food, love, and hope. But we can't do it alone. The Harsh Reality of Those Living in Abandonment Imagine walking miles just to get water or going days without a full meal. This is the reality for many rural communities, where extreme poverty is an everyday struggle. Without access to jobs, healthcare, or education, their fight for survival becomes increasingly difficult. In these places, help rarely arrives. No one sees them, no one hears them… until someone decides to act.

In a world where tons of food are wasted every day, millions of people continue to suffer from hunger. In Peru, this reality hits hardest in indigenous and rural communities, where access to adequate nutrition remains a challenge. At AGAPE HAND, we firmly believe that food is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. Hunger in Forgotten Regions Food insecurity is a pressing issue affecting thousands of families in Peru. In remote areas far from urban centers, access to fresh and nutritious food is a constant struggle. Extreme poverty, geographic isolation, and a lack of economic opportunities exacerbate this crisis. Many families survive on insufficient diets, impacting the health and development of children, who are the most vulnerable in these circumstances.

Our Mission: Bringing Hope in the Form of Food Every day, the AGAPE HAND team, along with our dedicated volunteers and the support of compassionate businesses, works tirelessly to fight hunger in these forgotten communities. We rescue food in good condition, manage donations, and create support networks to ensure that every family receives the essential nutrients they need to live with dignity. We do more than just deliver food; we also provide nutritional education, promote community gardens, and support local initiatives that foster self-sustainability. We believe in long-term solutions that empower communities and break the cycle of hunger. The Impact of Solidarity Every donation, every volunteer, and every effort makes a difference in this fight against food insecurity. Thanks to the contributions of individuals and businesses committed to the well-being of others, we have been able to feed hundreds of families and transform lives. However, the journey is long, and there is still much work to be done.

High in the Andes, where the cold is relentless and life is a daily struggle, we found a woman who has spent years surviving in complete isolation. She lives alone, with no family to care for her, no resources for adequate nutrition, and the weight of the years reflected in her gaze. Her story is the story of many elderly people and children who never receive help, who are forgotten by society, and who face malnutrition with no hope for a better future.

💡 The Silent Hunger in Forgotten Communities In the most remote areas of our country, the reality is heartbreaking. Elderly individuals who once worked tirelessly now face old age in extreme poverty. Innocent children grow up without access to proper nutrition, without opportunities, without hope for a better tomorrow. The lack of access to nutritious food not only affects their health but also robs them of their dignity and the will to carry on. 📌 Hunger is not just the absence of food; it is the lack of opportunities, support, and humanity. When we arrived at this elderly woman's humble home, her first reaction was not to ask but to give thanks. She was grateful that someone saw her, that someone cared for her, that someone reminded her that she still exists in this world. We provided her with food, warm clothing, and, most importantly, companionship. And in that moment, we understood that hunger is not only physical; it is also emotional.

In a remote corner of the Peruvian Andes, where the cold bites through the bones and poverty is part of daily life, lives Juanita, an 85-year-old woman whose daily struggle is simply to survive. With slow but determined steps, she walks more than 12 kilometers every day, hoping that someone will give her a little food. Sometimes she finds something; other times, she returns home empty-handed, her stomach rumbling with hunger. "I have no family and no money, but I walk because I have hope. There is always someone who gives me a little bread or rice," she says with a tired smile, full of faith. Juanita has lived a life of sacrifice, and despite her age, she continues to face hunger and hardship with extraordinary resilience. But it shouldn’t be this way. No one, especially not an 85-year-old, should have to walk such distances just to find something to eat.

💜 March 1st – Zero Discrimination Day 💜 Today, we raise our voices for those who face barriers every day. At Agape Hand, we believe in a world where everyone—regardless of their origin, gender, or social status—has equal opportunities. But reality tells us there is still much work to do. 📌 A fact we cannot ignore: In Peru, more than 30% of rural communities face food insecurity. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real families struggling to survive each day.

Building a World Without Hunger: 27,000 Plates of Hope In the heart of the Amazon and the highlands of Peru, thousands of families face a silent yet devastating crisis: hunger. These indigenous and rural communities, isolated from basic services and government support, struggle daily to secure a meal for their children. At AGAPE HAND, we believe that no one should suffer from a lack of food, and we work tirelessly to change this reality. Hunger in Indigenous and Rural Communities Extreme poverty and lack of access to basic resources have turned hunger into a constant threat for indigenous communities in the Amazon and rural highlands of Peru. According to recent data, over 40% of children in these regions suffer from chronic malnutrition, affecting their physical and mental development. Unemployment, geographic isolation, and a lack of aid programs have worsened the situation, leaving thousands of families in a daily struggle for survival.

At AGAPE HAND, we understand that hunger is not just about the absence of food but also the lack of opportunities for a dignified life. That’s why we go beyond simple food distribution: we promote food security and self-sustainability programs to create lasting impact in these communities. Our Mission: Feeding and Transforming Lives Through our food bank, we provide direct support to families in extreme vulnerability. Our work includes: ✅ Distribution of essential food: We deliver nutritious products to indigenous and rural communities at risk. ✅ Education on food security: We teach communities about nutrition and sustainable food production. ✅ Community empowerment: We work alongside local leaders to promote self-sustainability and improve living conditions. "Before receiving help, my children went days without a full meal. Now they have food and hope." – Rosa, beneficiary mother Our commitment is clear: to eradicate hunger and bring hope to those who need it most. But we cannot do it alone. Your support is essential for this mission to continue.

High in the mountains, where extreme poverty and neglect are part of daily life, thousands of elderly people struggle to survive without access to food, medical care, or shelter. Hunger and malnutrition in the elderly are critical issues affecting many rural communities, where opportunities are scarce and help rarely arrives. It fills us to feed because we know that a hot meal not only satisfies hunger but also provides hope, strength, and dignity to those forgotten by society.

Hunger in Old Age: An Invisible Crisis

In rural mountain areas, access to adequate nutrition is a luxury many cannot afford. Malnutrition among the elderly is one of the most alarming issues, yet it often goes unnoticed. Lack of resources, loneliness, and abandonment have made hunger a silent enemy that shortens the lives of many elderly individuals. We met Matilde, a 70-year-old woman living completely alone in a humble adobe house. Every day, she faces extreme cold and food shortages. Her story is just one of thousands—elderly people abandoned by society, sometimes going days without eating or surviving on whatever little they can find. When we gave her a hot meal, her eyes filled with tears. "I haven't eaten well in days," she told us with a trembling voice. Her story breaks our hearts, but it also drives us to keep helping.

More Than Food: We Bring Hope and Dignity

Our work goes beyond providing food. Every meal we deliver is a symbol of love and solidarity. It is proof that there are still people willing to help and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Feeding an abandoned elderly person is not just about giving them food—it’s about restoring their hope. It’s about showing them that they are not alone, that their life matters, and that someone cares about their well-being. Cold and lack of food can be deadly for elderly people living in extreme poverty. That’s why, in addition to food, we provide warm clothing, emotional support, and companionship, because we know that loneliness also hurts and weakens.

How Can You Help Fight Hunger in the Elderly?

Food waste is a global problem that affects the economy, the environment, and vulnerable communities. It is estimated that one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, while millions of people suffer from hunger. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to reduce waste and channel surplus food to those who need it most. Causes of Food Waste Food waste occurs throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption. Some of the main causes include: - Overproduction: Producers generate more than the market can absorb. - Aesthetic Standards: Perfectly edible fruits and vegetables are discarded for not meeting visual criteria. - Poor Storage: Lack of proper refrigeration and inadequate storage lead to rapid spoilage. - Household Waste: Poor shopping planning and discarded leftovers contribute significantly to the problem.

Strategies to Reduce Food Waste 1. Planning and Responsible Consumption - Buy only what is necessary and check expiration dates. - Store perishable products properly. - Use leftovers in new recipes. 2. Donating Surplus Food - Businesses and supermarkets can collaborate with Banco de Alimento Unidos por un Mundo Libre de Hambre de AGAPE HAND to donate food fit for consumption. - Restaurants and hotels can implement surplus food donation programs. 3. Community Initiatives - Promote urban gardens and food exchange networks. - Implement "solidarity refrigerators" where people can leave and take food freely. 4. Education and Awareness - Raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste. - Teach how to cook with near-expiry ingredients. - Encourage purchasing imperfect-looking products.

The harsh reality of our elderly: Grandma Juanita’s story Deep in the mountains, where life is a constant struggle against the cold and indifference, we found Grandma Juanita. She lives alone in a crumbling adobe house. Her only warmth comes from worn-out blankets, and her only food—when she’s lucky—is what neighbors can spare. Hunger has weakened her body, and abandonment has dimmed her hope. Like her, thousands of elderly people in the mountains and the jungle live in inhumane conditions. With no access to food, medical care, or anyone to care for them, their reality is a silent cry for help that few are willing to hear. They face winter without heating, without proper clothing, and without the strength to keep going.

Hunger is an invisible enemy that slowly consumes thousands of lives. It is not just about missing a meal; it is about an unbearable reality where grandmothers live in abandonment, children go to sleep without eating, and entire families struggle daily for survival. While millions of tons of food are wasted worldwide, communities in the most remote areas of the Andes and the jungle barely manage to survive. Markets, supermarkets, and restaurants discard food that is still in perfect condition, while in a small house built of adobe and straw, an elderly woman like Doña Epifania drinks only boiled water to calm her hunger. Rescuing Food, Saving Lives Food rescue is not just about collecting what others discard—it is about transforming reality. Every meal that is saved represents a child who will not go to bed hungry, a grandmother who will not have to endure another day of suffering, a family that can regain its dignity. Our work consists of recovering food before it is wasted and distributing it to the most vulnerable. We travel to forgotten communities, where food is not just scarce—it is a luxury that few can afford. But we do not stop there.