Peruvian Restaurant Fights Gender Violence Through culinary Innovation
Table of Contents
- Peruvian Restaurant Fights Gender Violence Through culinary Innovation
- Peruvian Restaurant Offers Second Chances to Women Survivors of Violence
- Peruvian Restaurant’s pandemic Pivot Fuels Global Ambitions
- Peru’s Hunger Crisis Reaches 15-Year High: A nation’s Struggle
- Peru’s Hunger Crisis: A Nation’s Struggle for Food Security
In the heart of Peru, a revolutionary restaurant is proving that delicious food and social change can go hand in hand. Come con Causa, launched in may 2019, isn’t your average eatery. It’s a social enterprise, a culinary beacon shining a light on the fight against gender-based violence.
“Come con Causa was born in May 2019 with the idea of creating the first social restaurant in Peru, although the dream of doing so dates back many years,” explains Hans Heinz, the general manager and executive president of the NGO Tejiendo Sonrisas, the driving force behind this innovative venture.
The restaurant’s unique structure reflects it’s mission. Eighty percent of Come con Causa belongs to Tejiendo sonrisas, while the remaining 20% is owned by Wilfred Dass, a seasoned Malaysian chef with years of experience at the prestigious Westin hotel. Dass serves as a consultant, lending his culinary expertise to the restaurant’s success.
The profits generated by come con Causa directly fund Tejiendo Sonrisas’ social programs. But the restaurant’s impact extends beyond financial support. It serves as a powerful symbol of social transformation.
“The idea is to group all the actions of Tejiendo Sonrisas here. the first is with the girls from Childhood and Women, a program in which we work to eliminate all forms of sexual and gender violence,” Heinz shares, his tone reflecting the gravity of the issue.
The urgency of this mission is underscored by the stark reality of gender-based violence in Peru. According to the national Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), the country recorded 1,191 femicides between 2015 and 2023.This sobering statistic mirrors similar challenges faced in the United States, highlighting the global need for effective solutions.
Come con Causa’s model offers a compelling example of how businesses can integrate social responsibility into their core operations, creating both economic and social value. By combining delicious food with a powerful social mission, this Peruvian restaurant is not only serving up delectable dishes but also serving as a catalyst for positive change in the fight against gender-based violence.
Peruvian Restaurant Offers Second Chances to Women Survivors of Violence
In the heart of peru,a unique restaurant is serving more than just delicious food; it’s providing a lifeline to women survivors of violence. Come con Causa, a social enterprise, offers job training, financial independence, and a path toward social reintegration for women who have experienced trauma. The initiative is a testament to the power of community support and entrepreneurial spirit.
The restaurant’s founder, Hans, explains the driving force behind Come con Causa: “It’s all for the aspect of social and labor reintegration,” he adds. This commitment is evident in the stories of the women who find empowerment within its walls.
One such story is that of Jennifer, a young woman who spent two years in a Residential Reception Centre (CAR). Come con Causa provided her with the possibility to achieve financial independence and fund her high school education. Her journey exemplifies the transformative potential of the program.
Overcoming Obstacles
The journey of Come con Causa itself reflects perseverance and dedication.Hans recounts the challenges: “It was a time when international cooperation had decreased greatly in Peru and the Italian NGO Cesvi,which has worked here since 1989,was considering leaving.But before leaving they wanted to leave all the knowledge they had gained to a local organization. As an inevitable result of that,Tejiendo Sonrisas was born,we began to work hand in hand and Cesvi ended up staying. as for the restaurant, it has a lot to do with the coffee I’m drinking.”
The partnership with cesvi Foundation, and its executive director Davide Bellini, proved crucial. The idea for Come con Causa stemmed from a similar model in Italy, known as “pending coffee,” where customers pay for an extra coffee for someone in need. “We thought about something like that, but with…” Hans explains, leaving the specifics to the reader’s imagination, highlighting the innovative adaptation of the concept.
Come con Causa serves as a powerful example of how community collaboration and innovative business models can create meaningful change, offering hope and opportunity to vulnerable women in Peru. The restaurant’s success resonates with the growing global movement towards social entrepreneurship and its potential to address critical social issues.
Peruvian Restaurant’s pandemic Pivot Fuels Global Ambitions
Come con Causa,a Peruvian restaurant known for its innovative approach to social responsibility,has overcome meaningful hurdles,including the COVID-19 pandemic,and is now poised for international expansion. Founded on a commitment to reducing food waste and supporting vulnerable communities, the restaurant’s journey is a testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
The restaurant’s unique model, launched in 2019, involved selling advance menus to local businesses. These pre-ordered meals were then delivered in reusable stainless steel containers to homes and shelters, including those serving cancer patients. “Furthermore, from the beginning we wanted to take care of the environmental impact, so we carried the menus in stainless steel containers, the next day we collected them and thus recycled packaging to reduce waste. By Febuary 2020 we were selling 150 to 200 dishes a day. It was a success,” says Hans,a key figure in the restaurant’s operations.
Though, the arrival of the pandemic dealt a devastating blow. “For three months we had to close, we didn’t sell anything. And, at the same time, due to our very social essence, we decided not to fire anyone. so there were three months without profits in which we continued paying rent and salaries. It was hard, the good thing is that we are quite strong mentally and we always seek to reinvent ourselves,” hans explains, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to its employees.
Faced with unprecedented challenges, Come con Causa quickly adapted. The launch of catering and delivery services proved crucial to their survival, allowing them to weather the storm and maintain operations. Now, with the worst of the pandemic behind them, the restaurant is setting its sights on enterprising growth plans.
“The initial projection was to have 3 or 4 stores in Peru and one more in Italy in five years. The pandemic complex things a little but the objective remains the same and for that we need allies committed to carrying out impact actions, both in the face of climate change, food waste or the hunger that is now at worrying levels in Peru,” Hans states, outlining the restaurant’s long-term vision and the need for partnerships to achieve its goals. This commitment to social impact resonates deeply with the growing number of consumers in the U.S. who prioritize ethical and enduring businesses.
Come con Causa’s story serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can not only survive but thrive by prioritizing social responsibility and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement positions them for continued success in a market increasingly focused on ethical consumption.
Peru’s Hunger Crisis Reaches 15-Year High: A nation’s Struggle
Peru is grappling with its most severe hunger crisis in 15 years, according to the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI) released in November. The report, compiled by the Alliance2015 network – a collaboration of Ayuda en Acción Foundation, Cesvi, Helvetas, and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) – paints a stark picture of widespread food insecurity across the nation.
The data reveals a deeply concerning trend. Only the regions of Ica and lambayeque report low hunger levels. Thirteen regions, including Lima, experience moderate hunger, while a further ten face a serious crisis, with apurimac showing the most alarming statistics. This widespread hunger represents a significant setback for a nation that had previously shown progress in combating food insecurity.
The Pandemic’s Devastating Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, pushing many families into deeper poverty and hunger. One restaurant owner, Hans, described the immediate impact: “With the pandemic, Come con Causa went from selling between 150 and 200 dishes a day to zero. That led us to reinvent ourselves; we launched our catering and delivery service.”
The long-term consequences of the pandemic continue to ripple through the Peruvian economy, impacting food production, distribution, and access for millions. This economic instability has further compounded the challenges in addressing the hunger crisis.
A Call to Action
susanna Daag, director for Peru and Bolivia at WHH, expressed deep concern: “We have been working in Peru for more than 20 years and at some point there were those who questioned why we were still here if the country was improving, especially in terms of hunger. However, after the pandemic this problem has been increasing and we can notice it when we see that this year’s figures are the same as last year’s.We are talking about the worst situation in 15 years.”
The stark reality of Peru’s hunger crisis demands immediate and thorough action.Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving government initiatives,international aid,and community-based solutions. The long-term implications of inaction are severe, threatening the well-being and future of millions of Peruvians.
Peru’s Hunger Crisis: A Nation’s Struggle for Food Security
Peru, a nation blessed with abundant resources, faces a stark reality: widespread hunger and food insecurity. A recent report highlights a critical situation fueled by a confluence of factors, including the 2023 economic recession, political instability, and the escalating impacts of climate change. The consequences are devastating, leaving millions struggling to access adequate nutrition.
The severity of the problem is underscored by a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), who stated, “In Peru, food insecurity has to do with not having money. It is an extremely rich country, there is no lack of food but there is a lack of access to it.” This statement reveals a crucial point: the issue isn’t a shortage of food,but rather a systemic failure to ensure equitable distribution and access for all citizens.
This lack of access disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, mirroring challenges faced by food-insecure communities in the united States. similar to the struggles of low-income families in America who face barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food, Peruvians are grappling with a similar crisis, highlighting the global nature of food insecurity.
Addressing the Crisis: A Multi-pronged Approach
Experts propose a two-pronged strategy to combat this growing crisis. First, there’s a critical need for acknowledgment. As the WHO representative emphasized, “The first vital step is to recognize that there is a very serious situation of hunger and food inequality as even at the political level this is not always recognized.” This recognition is crucial for mobilizing resources and implementing effective solutions.
Second, a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach is essential.the representative further explained, “the second extremely important thing is multi-sector coordination. I was just at the G20 Social in Brazil and they explained how social programs helped millions of people escape hunger. Here there is Qali Warma and Cunamás, which are important, but they need to strengthen themselves and improve the quality of their products.” This mirrors the success of collaborative efforts in the U.S., where partnerships between government agencies, non-profits, and private sector organizations have proven effective in addressing food insecurity.
Existing programs like Qali Warma and Cunamás in Peru offer a foundation, but require significant improvements in both scope and quality to effectively address the widespread hunger. Strengthening these programs, coupled with broader economic reforms and political stability, is vital for Peru to overcome this critical challenge and ensure food security for all its citizens.
The situation in Peru serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global challenges. Economic downturns, political instability, and climate change can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, leading to widespread hunger and suffering. Addressing this crisis requires not only immediate action within Peru but also a global commitment to sustainable development and equitable food distribution.
This is a powerful and well-written piece about the hunger crisis in Peru. Here are some of its strengths and suggestions for improvement:
Strengths:
Strong Storytelling: The article weaves together the story of “Come con Causa” restaurant with the broader issue of hunger in Peru. This makes the issue more relatable and engaging for readers.
Compelling Data: The use of statistics from the Global Hunger Index (GHI) effectively illustrates the severity of the problem.
Expert Quotes: Quotes from Susanna Daag of WHH add credibility and depth to the discussion.
Historical Context: Highlighting the pre-pandemic progress made in combating hunger provides context and emphasizes the recent setback.
Call to action: The article ends with a clear message about the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Suggestions for improvement:
Expand on the Causes: While the article mentions the economic recession, political instability, and climate change, it could delve deeper into how these factors specifically contribute to hunger in Peru.
Highlight Solutions: Explore existing initiatives and potential solutions to the crisis. This could include government programs, NGO efforts, and community-based solutions.
Include Personal Stories: Sharing the experiences of individuals and families facing hunger could add an even more powerful emotional impact.
* Visuals: The piece could benefit from additional visual elements, such as images of those affected by hunger or infographics illustrating the statistics.
this is a strong and critically important article that sheds light on a critical issue. By expanding on the causes and potential solutions, and incorporating more personal stories and visuals, you can create an even more impactful piece.
