In response to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela following the twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, Jersey City-based Goya Foods on Monday announced a donation of 100,000 pounds of food to support affected families.
The powerful earthquakes—the strongest to hit the region in more than a century—has left at least 1,450 people dead and thousands more injured or displaced. With widespread infrastructure damage reported across the nation’s north-central region, particularly in the states of La Guaira and Carabobo, the need for emergency aid has become critical.
A rapid humanitarian response
Goya Foods is partnering with the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies. The food will be dispatched from Goya’s warehouse in Miami and transported to communities throughout Venezuela, providing vital nourishment to those currently living in informal displacement sites and emergency shelters.
“Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during this incredibly difficult time,” Peter Unanue, co-president of Goya Foods said. “At Goya, we believe that when tragedy strikes, we have a responsibility to stand with those in need. Through our Goya Gives initiative, we are committed to supporting relief efforts and providing nourishment to families as they begin the long road to recovery.”
Long-standing commitment to crisis relief
For 90 years, Goya has maintained a consistent history of disaster response, mobilizing its resources during hurricanes, earthquakes, and other emergencies throughout the United States, Latin America, and beyond. This latest relief effort is spearheaded by Goya Gives, the company’s global charitable initiative that focuses on combating food insecurity and providing humanitarian aid during times of crisis.
“We continue to pray for everyone affected, as well as the courageous first responders and humanitarian teams working tirelessly to save lives,” Unanue added. “Goya Foods extends its deepest sympathies to the people of Venezuela and remains steadfast in our commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and move forward with hope.”
Ongoing recovery efforts
As of June 29, search and rescue operations remain active, though the focus is increasingly shifting toward providing medical care, shelter, and essential supplies to the thousands of families who have lost their homes.
For more information on Goya’s humanitarian programs or to learn about their global relief initiatives, visit www.goyagives.com.
