Binacional signed, this Wednesday (2), a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Government for the installation of biodigestors in seven Solidarity Kitchens – one of them in Foz do Iguaçu (PR)
Federal Government authorities and Itaipu Binacional signed, on Wednesday (2), a memorandum of understanding for the Sustainable Solidarity Kitchens initiative, which provides for the supply of “clean cooking” equipment for preparing meals and the installation of biodigestors. The equipment will transform organic waste into biogas, which will be used to cook food, thus promoting a cycle of sustainable use.
The event was held in parallel with the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting, in Foz do Iguaçu (PR), and was attended by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira; the Minister of Women, Cida Gonçalves; the President and CEO of the Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Union (UNICA), Evandro Gussi; the Brazilian CEO of Itaipu, Enio Verri, and other directors from both sides of the Binacional.
Brazilian CEO of Itaipu, Enio Verri. Photo: Marcos Labanca/Itaipu Binacional.
The initiative was created within the scope of the Federal Government’s Solidarity Kitchen Program, based on a partnership between the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger (MDS), the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the General Secretariat of the Presidency. The action, which is linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 – clean and affordable energy and SDG 2 – zero hunger and sustainable agriculture, has the support of Itaipu Binacional.
“This project is extremely important, as it addresses a subject that is on the G20 agenda this week: the energy transition. The number of women who are injured due to lack of money to control gas is extremely high, and this does not appear in the statistics. The existence of the solidarity economy project is crucial for the socialization of food. We will start with seven kitchens, which will serve as prototypes, but we intend to reach 100 kitchens. Itaipu assumes this mission as an obligation, determined by President Lula”, stated Verri.
Itaipu’s assistant Director, Silvana Vitorassi, represented the first lady, Janja Lula da Silva, who was unable to attend. She read the message sent by Janja, one of the people responsible for the Sustainable Solidarity Kitchens initiative. The text highlighted the importance of the project. “It is unacceptable that women and girls are at risk of burns, lung diseases and exhausting work in the search for supplies, whether food or fuel. In addition, they are more vulnerable to sexual violence, since many have to walk long distances to obtain, in addition to food and water, materials such as firewood and charcoal,” she wrote.
The Minister of State for Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, highlighted the convergence between the public and private sectors that defend the community and society. “It is essential to recognize that true social transformation requires an accurate diagnosis of the inequalities that persist in our society, and that only through collaboration and the implementation of inclusive public policies can we build a more just and supportive future,” she explained.
Minister of State for Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira.
Andréa Elias de Sousa Alves, representative of Sol Nascente Solidarity Kitchen, from the Federal District, commented on the importance of the project in the lives of many women. “Solidarity kitchens have the power to transform lives, freeing women from poverty and suicide and teaching them about their value and rights. This project is not just about feeding; it is about education, solidarity and empowerment, showing that Brazilian women are capable of occupying many places in society.” The project prioritizes kitchens run by women, especially black women, and that need support and assistance. The seven units selected to receive the biodigestors were chosen taking into account the capacity to offer meals and the space to install the biodigestor.
– Paz e Bem Solidarity Kitchen, in Fortaleza (CE);
– Sol Nascente Solidarity Kitchen, in Brasília (DF);
– Padre Orestes Solidarity Kitchen, in São Leopoldo (RS);
– Dandara Resiste Solidarity Kitchen, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ);
– AMD (Decent Housing Association) Solidarity Kitchen, in Boa Vista (RR);
– Mãos de Mulheres Popular Solidarity Kitchen, in Ananindeua (PA);
– Filhos Prediletos Shelter Home, in Foz do Iguaçu (PR).
The Sustainable Solidarity Kitchen initiative will also install solar panels in the supported units, to guarantee the production of electrical energy.
Representative of Sol Nascente Solidarity Kitchen, Andréa Elias de Sousa Alves, from the Federal District.
Memorandum of Understanding
During the launch event of the initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the implementation of structures that promote sustainability in the food production cycle and gender equity. The document was signed by the Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, Wellington Dias; the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira; the Deputy Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Kelli Mafort; and, on behalf of Itaipu Binacional, the Brazilian General Director, Enio Verri, and the Paraguayan General Director, Justo Zacarías Irún. Maria Alves Ferraz de Matos, from the solidarity kitchen of the Landless Workers Movement (MTST), was invited as a witness to the signing event.
Context and Objectives
More than 2.3 billion people worldwide lack access to clean energy sources, a problem discussed at G20 meetings. This action arises within the context of the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group and in synergy with the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, aiming to reduce inequalities and contribute to global partnerships for sustainable development, advocating for sustainable, inclusive, and just transition pathways.
The National Secretary of Food Security, Lilian dos Santos Rahal, highlighted the importance of collaboration among various agencies, such as the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the General Secretariat of the Presidency, and Itaipu Binacional. “This moment is crucial for us to celebrate partnerships aimed at supporting solidarity kitchens, especially those serving vulnerable populations,” Rahal stated. The program, sanctioned by President Lula in July of last year, aims to implement social technologies in solidarity kitchens spread across Brazil.
Since the beginning of 2023, the Federal Government has mapped 2,400 solidarity kitchens, with a higher concentration in the Southeast and Northeast regions. Financial support has already begun for 336 of these kitchens, which now receive food from family farming.
The Sustainable Solidarity Kitchens initiative was launched as a pilot project aimed at integrating food security with sustainable practices throughout Brazil. This action, the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Social Development (MDS), the General Secretariat of the Presidency, and Caritas Nacional, aims to expand the existing solidarity kitchen program to include technologies that promote energy transition.
The selected kitchens include locations in the South, North, and other regions, taking into account the specific needs of each area, such as the presence of homeless populations and the consequences of natural disasters.
This approach aims not only to reduce operational costs for kitchens by eliminating dependence on conventional gas but also to contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste. The project emphasizes the importance of social inclusion and gender equity, as many of the kitchens are managed by women. Monitoring will be carried out by managers specialized in environmental and gender areas, ensuring that sustainable practices are effectively implemented.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat hunger and promote food security in Brazil, aligning with global discussions on energy transitions and sustainable development. With this action, it is expected to not only improve meal provision for vulnerable populations but also foster a circular economy in the communities served.
