Mini Bakeries or Panaderias
- Communities along the Amazon and Napo rivers only have access to baked goods like bread when boats bring them from Iquitos. This nutritional complement to their regular diet of fish, boiled plantains and boiled manioc is quite a treat.
- Our first communal bakery opened in Timicuro Grande in 2008 and it’s not only a hit in the village but has also become a source of income for the community as they are producing different
types of breads and selling them to neighboring communities. They are currently making bread from plantain, corn, and manioc flour, which is readily available in the village, as well as wheat flour purchased in Iquitos. - Our second bakery, funded through our generous donor base, was constructed in the village of Irlanda, which is on the Napo River. With the help of seven volunteers from the United States, together with the residents of Irlanda, this new bakery (or panaderia) was completed in 2009. Having the opportunity to make its own bread and potentially sell it to other communities, offers great benefits for the Irlanda community.
- In the future, we hope to be able to offer this opportunity to other communities who are part of our Adopt-A-School family.
This year another bakery was opened in the village of Irlanda. This community is particularly well-organized and ambitious. We are expecting big things from them and they are excited to pursue the possibilities. The bakery was made possible with the support of two regular donors to CONAPAC and built by volunteers from the States who came as part of the Adopt-A-School delivery week in April. Irlanda’s residents hope to expand the market for fresh baked bread beyond their own community. With the further support of our donor base, this seems like a real possibility and a successful model for others to follow.
For more information about how the system works and how you can help, contact us.
