Quintana Roo Shields Food Aid Programs From Political Use During Elections

Workers sorting food packages at a distribution center in Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo authorities have announced strict measures to prevent food aid programs from being used for political gain during the upcoming electoral process. The state’s Food Security Agency will distribute supplies directly to families, bypassing intermediaries and candidates.

Ignacio Perera, director general of the agency, confirmed that deliveries will continue but under tight regulations. An official calendar detailing distribution dates and locations will be published to ensure transparency.

“No one delivers social programs except the institutions,” Perera said, ruling out any role for political operatives or candidates in handing out food packages.

Beyond the electoral safeguards, the state government is also improving the nutritional quality of the aid. Products high in sugar have been removed to combat obesity and malnutrition. The agency has partnered with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to train subsistence farmers in rural areas on balanced diets.

Perera also announced an investment to expand the Quintana Roo Food Bank, in coordination with the Mexican Association of Food Banks (BAMX). The upgrade includes a larger fleet of vehicles and new refrigeration equipment to better preserve rescued food. Officials project the improvements will allow the programs to reach an additional 12,000 to 20,000 vulnerable people.

A public forum is planned for the end of the year to report on the results of the food security strategy.

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By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx