Mexico City, February 27, 2026 – In a significant move to tackle food waste and insecurity, Deputy María del Rosario Morales Ramos has proposed the creation of a Mexico City Food Bank. This entity, to be operated by the local government, would coordinate efforts between civil organizations, businesses, producers, and volunteers to channel surplus food to those in need.
Addressing a Pressing Issue: Food Waste and Insecurity in Mexico City
Deputy Morales Ramos presented an initiative to reform Article 3 and add Article 9 bis to the Law for the Altruistic Donation of Food in Mexico City. Speaking from the legislative chamber, she emphasized that the goal is to redirect perfectly edible food, currently going to waste, to soup kitchens, shelters, and community spaces.
“This would be a responsible step, aimed at strengthening food security and utilization in Mexico City, reducing waste and its environmental impact, and consolidating a food policy for our city,” stated the member of the Progressive Parliamentary Association for Transformation (APPT).
A Centralized Solution for Food Distribution
The proposed reform aims for the Food Bank to operate as a decentralized body under the Secretariat of Welfare and Social Equality. Its primary objective would be to ensure effective access to quality, sufficient, and dignified food for vulnerable individuals.
Morales Ramos highlighted the stark contrast between the significant amount of food discarded daily in the capital – particularly in public markets, street markets, wholesale markets, and commercial establishments – and the thousands of families struggling with food shortages and inadequate nutrition.
According to the Mexico City Solid Waste Inventory, 964 tons of food waste are generated daily. Concurrently, 15 percent of the population experiences some form of food deficiency. Fruits and vegetables are among the most frequently wasted products, with the Central de Abasto alone generating over 400 tons of food waste each day.
Next Steps for the Proposed Food Bank
Following Deputy Morales Ramos’s intervention, the Presidency of the Local Congress’s Board of Directors announced that the initiative would be referred to the Joint Commissions of Rural Development, Supply and Food Distribution, and Economic Development for analysis and deliberation.
This proposal comes at a critical time, offering a potential solution to both environmental concerns related to waste and the pressing social issue of food insecurity within Mexico City. The coordinated effort envisioned by the Food Bank could significantly impact the lives of many residents, fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system for the capital.
