A U.S. Air Force C-5 Super Galaxy aircraft delivered more than 167,000 pounds of food to Panama on August 30 as part of the Denton Program, a humanitarian initiative that uses military aircraft to transport privately donated relief supplies when space is available.
The shipment included four 40-foot containers containing over 5,000 boxes of food, which organizers say will provide more than six million meals and is valued at more than $315,000. The delivery was made through Fundación Castillo Del Rey and will be distributed in coordination with Panamanian authorities and local organizations to communities identified as most in need.
“With this donation, we’re going to be serving several communities — Aguadulce, San Blas, Veraguas, Chiriquí — the areas that are in most need at this point,” said Francisco Chávez Jr., donation coordinator for Fundación Castillo Del Rey. “Thank you to the Denton Program, through which we are able to change people’s lives.”
U.S. officials highlighted that the airlift represents both a humanitarian effort and an economic investment. The U.S. government spent over $500,000 on operating costs for the C-5 aircraft for this mission. Local providers in Panama also benefited from related contracts such as airport fees, ground handling services, fuel supply, lodging, and transportation.
Since 2004, Southern Command programs have provided more than $50 million in support to Panama. This assistance has included building clinics and schools as well as providing equipment and supplies for disaster relief and health care needs across the country.
“The Denton Program is a bridge of solidarity between the American people and the Panamanian people,” said Capt. Daniel Betancourt, senior defense official with the United States Embassy in Panama. “These efforts reflect the shared values, commitment and compassion that the U.S. and Panama share through improving the quality of life of Panamanian citizens.”
This recent shipment brings total food deliveries via similar efforts since 2013 to over one million pounds—enough for about 6.5 million meals—distributed across more than 50 sites including schools and feeding programs throughout various regions of Panama.
Further details can be found at https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9287192/c-5-delivers-6-million-meals-panama-via-denton-program