The Pollito Project
Helping in Sustainable Ways

There are many ways to help those in need, but there is something special about projects that help those in a sustainable way. The Chicken Project (Pollito Project) does just that, by helping create a sustainable food source for families in the Central Pacific.

Organized and led by the Pura Vida Church in Esterillos, the Chicken Project is making a tremendous impact. Addressing the hard economic times that many families have been undergoing because of the pandemic lockdown, the church is supplying them with chicks and laying hens.

What began back in May as a small project with over 300 recipient families has quickly expanded. To date, more than 5,000 chicks and 1,400 laying hens have been helping nearly 1,000 families attain sustainable food sources. This initial success has made it possible to secure additional sponsors and expand the program’s reach. Relief is now available for families in the neighboring communities of Quepos and Garabito, where the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 has been severe.

This initial success has made it possible to secure additional sponsors and expand the program’s reach.

Related mental health concerns

With much of the economy being tied to tourism, Esterillos and the rest of the Central Pacific region have been hard hit, with many losing their jobs and businesses. Besides providing families with a sustainable food source, the Pollito Project has helped many cope with related stress and mental health issues throughout this challenging time. 

Through the efforts of Pura Vida Church members, along with volunteers and sponsors from the community, countless people in the region are benefiting from the program’s success. If you would like to get involved or help support the project, please visit the church on Facebook here. You can also follow the Polito Project on Instagram and read more in this Jacó Times article dated May 31, 2020.