State Government promotes programming in honor of World Food Day in Belém

The Government of the State of Pará, through the Secretary of Social Assistance, Labor, Employment and Income (Seaster), held a social action on this Friday (17), aimed at promoting food security and welcoming people in vulnerable situations. The initiative took place simultaneously at the 'Casa Rua' shelter, located in the Campina neighborhood in Belém, and at the 'Popular Restaurant', located in Entroncamento, offering soup to homeless people and families at social risk.

The action is in honor of World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, a date established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The initiative reinforces the commitment of the Government of Pará to ensure the human right to adequate food and to strengthen public policies to combat hunger.

The activity is part of public policies to address food insecurity and strengthen the social protection network, developed by the State Government through Seaster. The goal is to ensure access to quality food and reinforce the bond with the population that most needs support and attention.

According to the director of Income, Citizenship and Combating Hunger (DRCCP), Ricardo Ganzer, the action is part of a set of ongoing activities that Seaster carries out in various spaces in the capital of Pará.

“We provide support to the most vulnerable people in society, who are part of the Unified Registry. Serving these people is essential to provide a moment of relief, as feeling hungry is painful. It is necessary to value these moments. The idea is to continue promoting actions like this, bringing public policies to the homeless population,” highlighted Ganzer.

For many, the simple gesture of receiving a bowl of soup represents more than food; it is a sign of care and the presence of the government in their lives. This was expressed by Marcos Roberto da Silva, who has been living on the streets for two years in the Ver-o-Peso area.

“It’s been a long time since I sat down to have a hot meal like this. It seems simple, but for someone living on the street, a soup like this is a great sustenance. We feel remembered, and that makes all the difference,” said Marcos Souza.

“We continuously work for more benefits for those in vulnerable situations, promoting actions that ensure more well-being and dignity for all, also prioritizing access to essential services, in addition to good nutrition, with nutritional guidance,” emphasized Valdo Filho, deputy secretary of Social Assistance at Seaster.

“We are used to the 'no', with people turning their faces away, so when the Government comes to us offering soup and shelter, it’s an indescribable feeling. I can only thank for this act,” reported Lucas Maciel, a freelancer.

The soup distribution involved the participation of servers and volunteers, who worked in the preparation and delivery of meals. The action reinforces the commitment of the Government of Pará to promote dignity, respect, and social inclusion for homeless people and families facing food insecurity.

*Collaboration by Matheus Gomes - Ascom/Seaster