Carnival Corporation & plc has expanded its meal donation program into Latin America for the first time, signing agreements with food banks and local leaders in Mexico, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.
This initiative is part of the cruise giant’s Less Left Over food waste strategy, which redirects unserved fresh meals from its ships to communities in need.
The new partnerships include Bancos de Alimentos de Mexico (Red BAMX) in Mexico, where donations will begin with a pilot program in Ensenada. In Honduras, agreements with the Roatán mayor’s office will see meals distributed to schools, hospitals, and community groups.
In the Dominican Republic, Carnival Corporation will collaborate with the Catholic Diocese of Puerto Plata and Banco de Alimentos República Dominicana to provide meals across the Puerto Plata area.
“Expanding our meal donation program into Latin America is an important step in giving back to the amazing ports and destinations who warmly welcome our guests,” said Vicky Rey, vice president of government affairs for Latin America at Carnival Corporation. She added that the company aims to help feed families and children by donating healthy, ready-to-eat meals that would otherwise go unused.
Originally launched in 2017 through Costa Cruises in partnership with Fondazione Banco Alimentare, the program has delivered over 300,000 meals in Europe and the Caribbean. Extending the program to 19 global destinations, Carnival Corporation is evaluating local regulations in the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America to ensure compliance.
The meal donation effort plays into the company’s Less Left Over strategy, targeting food waste reduction while maintaining dining quality for guests.
