Controversy Erupts Over Food Quality in Bogotá’s School Feeding Program
In Bogotá, a new controversy has emerged surrounding the Programa de Alimentación Escolar (PAE), or School Feeding Program. This time, the alarm was raised by Mafe Carrascal, a representative from the Historic Pact party. She delivered a scathing critique of the city’s mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, accusing him of severe irregularities concerning the quality and quantity of food provided to students in public schools.
La congresista María Fernanda Carrascal aseguró que ha habido "desidia institucional" durante la administración del alcalde Carlos Fernando Galán – crédito @mafecarrascalr/Instagram y Colprensa
Carrascal took to social media, specifically her account on X (formerly known as Twitter), to call attention to the alarming state of food provisions for children. She claimed that students were receiving food that was in poor condition, with visible signs of infestation and portions that did not meet the nutritional standards necessary for a healthy diet. She questioned, “Does he really believe that a child can have a dignified meal with spoiled food, the presence of worms, and deficient portions?”
The public outcry following these allegations has reignited an ongoing debate about food safety and quality within the PAE program. Previously, the Attorney General’s Office had demanded explanations regarding similar failures in the program. Just last year, reports surfaced indicating that students were receiving whey instead of milk, putting their health at risk and igniting public outrage.
In the wake of the fresh allegations, Carrascal stated that her team had been actively monitoring the PAE. She emphasized that official information was being requested to assess the current state of the program, especially the nutritional value of the distributed food. “On the surface, it seems that the program is not meeting the required standards,” she stated, alluding to deeper issues that need to be addressed.
Este sería el estado de los alimentos del PAE en Bogotá – crédito @MafeCarrascal/X
Additionally, Carrascal expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency from district authorities and publicly requested both the Bogotá Secretary of Education and the national agency in charge of the program, PAE Colombia, to provide clear answers. She also urged the Bogotá Comptroller’s Office to conduct a thorough audit to confirm whether the funding was being properly utilized and whether the delivered food met established standards.
“The district must respond. We cannot continue to marginalize students and threaten teachers who raise their voices. Childhood is not just a figure in the budget; it involves lives that deserve care, respect, and real guarantees,” she declared.
The accusations made by Carrascal have gained the support of citizen oversight organizations and parent associations who have also received numerous complaints from various neighborhoods in Bogotá. These groups report that, in some schools, snacks arrive late, are incomplete, or are provided in unclean conditions.
Despite the mounting criticism, the city government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. However, representatives from the Secretary of Education had previously defended the program, claiming that they were making strides to improve both the quality and coverage of food in the city, citing that over 800,000 students benefited from the program in 2024.
María Fernanda Carrascal denunció a Carlos Fernando Galán a través de redes sociales – crédito @MafeCarrascal/X
Yet, the issues highlighted by Carrascal reveal a troubling disparity between reported advancements and the actual experiences of students in schools. “Where is the investment? Where are the nutritional standards?” Carrascal demanded, critiquing the ongoing inconsistencies.
Moreover, she called upon the public, particularly parents and educators, to report any irregularities relating to the PAE. “We cannot gamble with children’s well-being. Isn’t that what we commonly say?” she concluded, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This ongoing saga has once again brought the PAE under scrutiny, a crucial program aimed at ensuring the right to food for millions of vulnerable children and youth. As demands from various sectors continue to climb, the city government must provide clear and tangible answers to restore trust in this key pillar of educational well-being.
“Children’s rights are non-negotiable. They must be guaranteed!,” Carrascal firmly stated, setting the tone for a potential political battle over transparency and quality in public services within the nation’s capital.