Goya Foods is stepping up to support Colombia’s earthquake relief efforts. The company announced a donation of more than 200,000 pounds of food to communities devastated by recent earthquakes.
The largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States is partnering with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to distribute the food. Together, they aim to reach families who need help the most.
A Disaster That Shook a Nation
The urgency behind this Colombia earthquake relief effort traces back to Aug. 10, 2026. A powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia that morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey data. The quake’s epicenter sat near San José del Palmar in Chocó Department.
The destruction was severe. According to official figures, more than 280 people have died, and nearly 3,800 have been injured so far. The Colombian government immediately declared a national state of emergency.
Cities across the country’s coffee-growing region felt the impact hardest. Officials reported that at least 100 buildings collapsed nationwide, and five capital cities were placed on red alert. Search-and-rescue teams worked for days afterward, digging through rubble in Cali, Pereira, and Manizales.
The scale of destruction drew international attention. The United States pledged $15.5 million in relief funding, while the European Commission mobilized its Copernicus satellite program to support rescue operations. That global response now includes corporate humanitarian efforts like Goya’s.
Five Truckloads, One Mission
Goya’s contribution consists of five truckloads packed with essential food items. The shipment is designed to meet immediate nutritional needs on the ground.
This isn’t Goya’s first disaster response. The company has supported humanitarian causes for 90 years, according to the press release. That history includes recent aid following earthquakes in Venezuela.
“Our hearts are with the people of Colombia during this difficult time,” said Peter Unanue, Co-President of Goya Foods, in the press release. He emphasized that Goya has stood beside communities in crisis for nearly a century.
Unanue added that the company remains committed to supporting recovery efforts as they continue. The donation, he said, is meant to bring both nourishment and comfort.
Related Article: Goya Donates 100K Lbs of Food to Venezuela
Partnership Built for Speed
GEM’s role centers on rapid deployment. The nonprofit specializes in moving critical resources directly into disaster zones, often within days of a crisis.
“Goya has once again demonstrated what meaningful corporate partnership looks like in the immediate aftermath of a disaster,” said Michael Capponi, Founder and President of Global Empowerment Mission, according to the press release. He praised the donation for enabling GEM to act quickly.
Capponi noted that GEM’s model prioritizes speed, efficiency, and strong partnerships. Those elements, he said, ensure aid reaches communities where it matters most.
The organization has responded to major disasters worldwide, building a track record for fast humanitarian logistics. Its collaboration with Goya reflects a broader trend of food companies pairing with logistics-focused nonprofits during emergencies.
Part of a Larger Legacy
This donation falls under Goya Gives, the company’s ongoing philanthropic initiative. Through that program, Goya has repeatedly stepped in during natural disasters across the United States and abroad.
The company’s approach pairs corporate resources with nonprofit expertise. That formula allows food to move quickly from warehouses to hard-hit communities.
For families in Chocó, Cali, Pereira, and beyond, aftershocks continue to complicate recovery. Ongoing aftershocks have forced many residents to gather outdoors while they wait for news of loved ones or relief assistance, according to humanitarian group CARE.
Against that backdrop, Colombia earthquake relief donations like Goya’s carry added weight. Immediate access to food remains one of the most pressing needs as recovery efforts shift from emergency response toward long-term rebuilding.
Goya says it will continue monitoring the situation. The company indicated it remains committed to supporting relief efforts as Colombia works toward recovery.