Call for EOIs: Strengthening Nutrition and Food Security for Migrants in Peru

Deadline: 09-Feb-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Peru is addressing urgent nutrition and food security needs for Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The initiative focuses on building the capacity of community and soup kitchen directors, promoting sustainable and high-quality services, and actively engaging migrant families. Key regions of focus are Tumbes and Tacna, with an emphasis on inclusive, culturally sensitive food assistance.

Overview of the Initiative

The WFP nutrition and food security program in Peru supports Venezuelan migrants and refugees who face high levels of food insecurity, particularly during the initial months of arrival. The program emphasizes:

• Capacity building for local community kitchens and soup kitchens

• Sustainable nutrition services that actively involve migrant families

• Promotion of intercultural approaches to food security

• Strengthening local organizational management and skills

Focus Areas

Key focus areas include:

• Nutrition: Improving dietary quality and nutritional support for vulnerable migrant populations

• Nutrition in emergencies: Targeting migrants in transit and those at heightened risk of food insecurity

• Local capacity building: Enhancing the management and service delivery capabilities of kitchen directors and local organizations

Objectives of the Program

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen management and nutrition skills of directors of community and soup kitchens

• Promote sustainable services that go beyond immediate food provision

• Improve service quality through training, guidance, and monitoring

• Foster active participation of migrant families in service planning and delivery, treating them as partners rather than just beneficiaries

Community-Based Mechanisms

In Peru, community kitchens and soup kitchens play a critical role in supporting migrants. Challenges include:

• Limited capacity to operate as platforms promoting long-term food security

• Insufficient intercultural approaches to meet diverse migrant needs

• Vulnerability of migrants during initial arrival and transit

Addressing these gaps requires:

• Training and mentoring kitchen directors and staff

• Developing inclusive operational models

• Ensuring migrant participation in program design and decision-making

WFP’s Role

The World Food Programme partners with the Peruvian government to:

• Coordinate food assistance at national, regional, and community levels

• Build the capacity of local organizations to deliver nutrition services effectively

• Promote sustainability, quality, and inclusivity in service delivery

• Foster integration and resilience within migrant communities

Why It Matters

This program is critical because:

• Venezuelan migrants face acute food insecurity, especially during transit

• Strengthening local capacities ensures long-term sustainability of services

• Inclusive participation empowers migrant families and promotes integration

• Improved nutrition services contribute to health, well-being, and resilience

How the Program Works

1. Assessment: Identify nutrition and food security needs among migrants in Tumbes and Tacna

2. Capacity Building: Train kitchen directors in management, nutrition, and inclusive practices

3. Implementation: Deliver culturally sensitive food assistance via community and soup kitchens

4. Monitoring: Ensure quality of services and evaluate migrant engagement

5. Sustainability: Support ongoing operations and encourage active migrant participation

Common Challenges

• Limited resources and training for kitchen directors

• Migrants’ varying cultural and dietary needs

• Maintaining sustainable and high-quality services

• Ensuring effective migrant participation without overburdening families

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who benefits from this program?
Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Tumbes, Tacna, and other vulnerable areas of Peru.

2. What types of services are provided?
Community kitchens and soup kitchens provide nutritious meals, capacity building, and support for sustainable food services.

3. How does WFP support local organizations?
Through training, mentoring, and resource coordination at national, regional, and community levels.

4. Why is migrant participation important?
Active participation ensures services are culturally sensitive, relevant, and empowering for families.

5. What challenges do community kitchens face?
Limited capacity, insufficient intercultural approaches, and vulnerability of migrants during transit.

6. How does this program promote sustainability?
By enhancing management skills, mentoring staff, and building inclusive operational models for long-term service delivery.

7. What is the focus on nutrition in emergencies?
Targeting migrants at high risk of food insecurity during arrival or transit periods, ensuring immediate and effective support.

Conclusion

The WFP initiative in Peru strengthens nutrition and food security for Venezuelan migrants by building local capacity, promoting inclusive participation, and enhancing service quality. Through community kitchens and soup kitchens, the program fosters resilient, culturally sensitive, and sustainable food systems, supporting the well-being and integration of migrant families.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.