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Food For The Poor Partners with Minuto de Dios for Initial Distribution of Aid in Response to Colombia Earthquake
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2026) – Food For The Poor (FFTP) is responding to the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia Monday morning, as emergency workers continue search-and-rescue operations and government officials assess the extent of the damage.
The earthquake struck in the Chocó region, about 149 miles west of Bogotá. The Colombian government has declared a state of national disaster, with reports of more than 250 people killed, 2,595 injured, and thousands unaccounted for. In addition, 8,385 homes have been damaged and 1,136 destroyed, 48 buildings have collapsed, and 796 educational institutions, 84 health facilities, and 377 community centers have been affected.
The areas that are most heavily affected include Quindío, Chocó, and Valle de Cauca, with damage also reported in Armenia, Manizales, Pereira, Cartago, and Cali. Pereira, Armenia and Manizales are part of a region called the “coffee triangle,” which is known for its high economic and social importance.
“Colombia is one of our priority countries – we have been working there for more than a decade,” FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said. “We are actively working with trusted in-country partners to assess needs, identify viable logistics pathways, and determine how we can provide meaningful assistance.”
Because time is critical following a disaster, FFTP’s initial response includes working with trusted partners to purchase and distribute urgently needed supplies in Colombia as quickly as possible, Raine said.
FFTP is working with Minuto de Dios, which has strong national coverage and is a respected channel for humanitarian response in Colombia, to purchase emergency aid and distribute it to areas in need. In-country purchases accelerate delivery and support the local economy during a crisis while avoiding unpredictable delays.
The charity is also communicating with the Order of Malta, CADENA International, and other partners as potential avenues for assistance, and it continues to evaluate partners that can help reach the affected communities. In addition, through its longstanding partnership with the Order of Malta, shipments of MannaPack rice meals and wheelchairs were en route to Colombia before the earthquake struck and are expected to arrive soon.
As the search-and-rescue phase continues, FFTP is working to meet basic needs identified by local partners and affected communities. The charity is seeking support to purchase family food and family hygiene kits through its in-country partners for distribution to families in need.
A $30 donation can provide a family of four with enough food for one week, including:
- • Cooking oil, sugar, rice and arepa flour
- • Lentils, beans and chickpeas
- • Salt, canned tuna and canned sardines
- • Pasta and soup
- • Baby supplements
- • Cookies and sweets
- • Panela, chocolate, powdered milk and coffee
A $15 donation can provide a family of four with enough hygiene supplies for one week, including:
- • Body soap and shampoo
- • Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- • Razors and wet wipes
- • Sanitary pads
- • Baby and adult diapers
- • Toilet paper
“There is significant need in Colombia right now, and we have to extend a helping hand during this critical time,” Raine said. “Our brothers and sisters in Colombia are facing a moment of deep uncertainty. We pray that our generous supporters will stand with us in this relief effort.”
To donate to help families affected by the earthquake in Colombia, visit: www.foodforthepoor.org/helpcolombia (English) or www.foodforthepoor.org/ayudacolombia (Spanish)
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Ernestine Williams
Communications
305-321-7342
[email protected]
