The Arauca and La Guajira regions of Colombia—bordering Venezuela in the country’s “Eastern Plains”—are known for their fertile agricultural land, lush rainforests, and vast rivers. But the beauty of this landscape masks the challenges faced by those who live here.
Continued guerrilla conflicts, a mass refugee crisis stemming from economic and political upheaval in neighbouring Venezuela, and regular flood damage have contributed to ongoing food insecurity for both local Colombians and displaced migrant families. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 people in Arauca and more than 430,000 people in La Guajira are in need of food assistance.
Living on the Edge of Hunger
Jose Acevedo’s story, like so many others in the region, has often been about simple survival. Wheelchair‑bound since his teenage years, Jose, now 53, lives with his sister and his elderly mother. Adding to the family’s burdens, severe flooding in recent years has damaged their home, leaving repairs far beyond their means. Most of what the family can gather must be used for daily food.
“Sometimes we have almost nothing to eat,” says Jose, “and my mother will give us the little she has so my sister and I have something. Sometimes the companies will cut our gas or electric service for lack of payment and we have to ask the neighbours for help getting food or water.”
Restoring Choice and Dignity
World Renew, with the support of funding partners including Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), is working alongside local partner ZOA Refugee Care (ZOA) to help change stories like Jose’s. Together, they are supporting 6,156 people in Arauca and La Guajira through a straightforward but powerful approach: electronic cash cards.
Participants like Jose receive funds for food—loaded monthly onto electronic cards over a six‑month period—that they can use when and where they need them. The cards are simple to use and allow people to shop locally, choosing the foods that best meet their needs. This approach not only restores dignity and choice, but also strengthens local markets by circulating money back into the community.
Replacing Hunger with Joy
For Jose, the impact has been profound. Access to cash assistance has eased the constant stress of hunger and allowed him to contribute to his family’s wellbeing. “Thanks to this card, I can somehow help my mother and buy the things we need. Now we are able to eat better, get sick less, and enjoy delicious food.”
Through partnerships, local collaboration, and practical solutions like cash assistance, World Renew continues to work toward replacing hunger with hope—supporting families like Jose’s as they pursue greater stability, dignity, and joy.
