BAMX, CONMÉXICO Expand Food Recovery Efforts

Mexico wastes 30Mt of food annually, the highest per capita level in Latin America, according to the Mexico’s Food Bank Network (Red BAMX). Red BAMX and the Mexican Consumer Products Industry Council (CONMEXICO) signed a collaboration agreement to expand food recovery, reduce waste and strengthen food security through circular economy initiatives.

Under the agreement, Red BAMX will manage donations of food and consumer products that are safe for consumption but cannot be commercialized for various reasons. The organization will oversee logistics and distribution to vulnerable communities while providing periodic impact reports to ensure transparency. Meanwhile, CONMEXICO will promote voluntary participation among its member companies through the Food Recovery and Utilization Program and facilitate direct coordination with food banks across the network.

Mariana Jiménez, Director General, Red BAMX, said the alliance aims to scale industry collaboration to address food waste and hunger in Mexico. “At Red BAMX, we believe food should not be wasted when it can still transform lives. This agreement with CONMÉXICO is a key step to scaling solutions alongside industry and building a Mexico without hunger,” she noted.

Claudia Jañez, Executive President, CONMÉXICO, said the partnership reflects the consumer industry’s commitment to promoting circular economy models and more sustainable value chains. The agreement also includes communication campaigns and technical evaluation mechanisms to measure program impact and improve resource recovery strategies.

According to Red BAMX, food waste occurs across the supply chain, including farms, food markets, convenience stores, the food industry, hotels and restaurants. The organization estimates that every minute, the equivalent of two truckloads of food is discarded in Mexico despite being suitable for human consumption. Jiménez said food waste also represents an economic loss equivalent to 2.5% of Mexico’s GDP and an environmental impact comparable to emissions generated by 16 million vehicles.

Separate initiatives linked to Red BAMX are also expanding efforts to improve operational efficiency and food distribution. Grupo Herdez’s social responsibility program, Saber Nutrir, joined the third Ammper Race for Red BAMX, scheduled for June 7, 2026, in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park. The event seeks to raise funds for solar panel installations at food banks.

According to organizers, the photovoltaic systems can reduce energy costs at food banks by up to 90%, allowing facilities to redirect more resources toward food recovery and distribution.

“This race represents an opportunity to continue promoting sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life of communities. Each photovoltaic system installed not only reduces costs, but also allows food banks to allocate more resources to their main mission: bringing food to thousands of families in Mexico,” said Malú Hernández-Pons, Leader, Saber Nutrir.

The race will include 5km and 10km routes and will also collect donations such as blankets, jackets and school backpacks for Mazahua communities in the State of Mexico. Brands including Doña María, Herdez, Yemina, McCormick and Del Fuerte will provide products to participants.

Daniel Alcalá, Corporate Director of Institutional Relations, INVEX Controladora, said the initiative combines energy transition and social impact goals. “At Ammper, we are convinced that when technology, energy and solidarity come together, the impact can be truly extraordinary. We look forward to this third edition to continue fighting hunger with renewable energy,” Alcalá said.

Saber Nutrir forms part of Grupo Herdez’s sustainability strategy and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. The program currently operates in the State of Mexico and Yucatán, supporting projects such as seed banks, community kitchens, grain storage silos and ecological stoves.