Colombia’s Ministry of Education Expands School Meal Program with Afro-Community-Operated Cafeteria in Valledupar

Bogotá, March 22, 2026 – The Colombian national government has increased its investment in school meals, allocating $21.5 billion in 2026, up from $17.5 billion in 2022, to support over 48,000 students in Valledupar and perform towards universal coverage in the municipality. This initiative includes the opening of the first school cafeteria operated by an Afro-Colombian community in Valledupar, located at the José Celestino Mutis Ethno-Educational Institution in the rural area of Guacoche.

Investing in School Nutrition and Cultural Relevance

The new cafeteria represents an investment of over $500 million Colombian pesos, funded through the Educational Infrastructure Financing Fund. It will benefit more than 574 children and adolescents across five educational institutions, promoting school feeding programs that recognize and respect the cultural and gastronomic traditions of Afro-descendant communities in rural areas.

Community Participation and National Framework

The launch of the cafeteria is a direct result of collaborative efforts between the community and local institutions, aligning with Resolution 051 of 2025. This resolution enables the direct participation of Black, Afro-Colombian, Raizal and Palenquera communities in student feeding programs, ensuring cultural relevance within the Programa de Alimentación Escolar (PAE), or School Feeding Program.

National Support and Expansion Plans

Sebastián Rivera, director of the Special Administrative Unit for School Feeding – Foods for Learning, emphasized the importance of this model. He stated that starting in 2026, the Afro-descendant community will manage the feeding of students at the José Celestino Mutis Educational Institution, with the national government providing support to ensure the success of this democratization process and encourage wider community involvement. The Ministry of Education aims to see many more communities managing their own programs, rooted in territorial relevance and respecting their gastronomic cultures.

Local Commitment to Universal Coverage

Karol Lobo, Secretary of Education of Valledupar, highlighted the opening of the dining hall as a key step in transforming the PAE. This transformation promotes community participation, cultural recognition, and strengthens education in rural areas. She reaffirmed the commitment to achieving universal coverage, ensuring that no student goes hungry in the classroom.

Valledupar and the Colombian Education System

Valledupar, the capital of the Cesar Department, was founded on January 6, 1550. Education in Colombia is centralized under the Ministry of National Education, as outlined in the Constitution. The city is an important agricultural and cultural center in the region. The Ministry of Education has been actively involved in initiatives promoting peace education and supporting vulnerable communities throughout the country.