On Despensas

One of the words you might see if you are researching on how to help here in Mexico, is the term “despensa”

"Despensa" literally means "pantry" and in Mexico when there is an emergency or when you are feeling charitable, like at Christmas, you give people a despensa. ONG’s and government agencies often hand out despensas to families in need and they can also be seen during political campaigns (although this is now illegal) to garner favor with recipients of the “generosity” But we won’t get into that here.

Typically a despensa is made up of basic foodstuffs, some hygiene and cleaning products, usually enough for a week for a small family of maybe four people or so.

This is what a typical despensa looks like, to help people get through the crisis at hand. Basic food stuffs like bouillion cubes, cooking oil, tomato paste, beans, rice, pasta, tuna and crackers. Some TP and some soap. This is the kind of despensa handed out by ONG’s and government agencies who have hundreds and hundreds of people to help out.

With the help of our generous donors, we are able to provide a solid supply of basics to our families in need. In addition our guides and drivers also receive the benefits of the love shown by people who have donated.

THANK YOU!

See the photos below to get an idea of what “your” despensas look like:

Lawsons despensa. There are two families, so everything is times two and we are taking these items every two weeks. In the village, it turns out that the recipients of these despensas turn around and share with neighbors so your donations are going a lot further than readily apparent. Here: Cleaning and cooking supplies, soda crackers.

Lawsons despensa.

Here: Several kilos rice and beans, canned fruit, chocolate, coffee, pancake mix, salt, sugar, milk.
There are two families, so everything is times two and we are taking these items every two weeks. In the village, it turns out that the recipients of these despensas turn around and share with neighbors so your donations are going a lot further than readily apparent.

There are two families, so everything is times two and we are taking these items every two weeks. In the village, it turns out that the recipients of these despensas turn around and share with neighbors so your donations are going a lot further than readily apparent.

Lawson’s despensa also includes tuna and mayo. Here we are preparing the second boxes, one box per family.

There are two families, so everything is times two and we are taking these items every two weeks. In the village, it turns out that the recipients of these despensas turn around and share with neighbors so your donations are going a lot further than readily apparent.

Lawsons despensa.

Here: Several kilos of pastas along with tomato paste are covering the tuna and mayo.
There are two families, so everything is times two and we are taking these items every two weeks. In the village, it turns out that the recipients of these despensas turn around and share with neighbors so your donations are going a lot further than readily apparent.

In the photos above, you can see some of what we are delivering. Below, a short video of more of where our money is going for donations. Some of this is for the families, some for Lawson’s guides and drivers.