Since 2020, volunteers at Comedor Humanitario have quietly served thousands of hot meals to people in need—yet many Mazatlan residents have never heard of it. Here’s how you can help.
By Sheila Madsen, July 2026
“We have seen people arrive hungry, sick, alone, discouraged, and sometimes without the desire to carry on…”
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, Francisco Vega and Martha Carrillo arrive at the small house, that now serves as Comedor Humanitario, long before the line begins. Martha preps much of the food in her own home and finishes the final touches before the doors open at 11 am.
The driving force, Martha Carrillo and Francisco Vega.
The Comedor Humanitario was born during the pandemic. Francisco and Martha saw more and more people struggling to put food on the table. Rather than waiting for someone else to help, they rolled up their sleeves and started preparing and serving meals themselves. What began as a small act of kindness on Saturday mornings in the atrium of the Cathedral, has grown into an important community resource. Francisco estimated in the six years they have served over 26,000 hot meals from the Cathedral.
Knowing that 80% of the people they were feeding were homeless, Francisco and Martha wanted to do more for them than just on Saturday mornings. In February 2026, Comedor rented the ground-floor space on Benito Juárez. Today, they serve 50 free, freshly prepared hot meals three times a week. The men, they are mostly men, wait patiently outside and when the door opens at 11 am. they all enter the small dining room. Martha and Francisco deliver a brief blessing and the men leave. There is no room for tables and chairs, and men respectfully and quietly enter in groups of ten. Everyone was served within 14 minutes.
Pasta today, chicken tomorrow, tuna, eggs, Martha keeps it varied.
“To witness how a hot meal, a few words of encouragement, and a warm embrace can restore their hope has been one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives.”
The kitchen is supported almost entirely through donations and volunteers. There is no government support. Local residents, friends and businesses [Los Arcos, Panama] contribute food, supplies, and financial support, while a few volunteers help prepare meals, and keep everything running smoothly.
Generous friends dropped by with much needed supplies.
Comedor not only offers nourishment but also dignity, compassion and hope. Francisco and Martha have created a place where everyone is treated as a valued member of the community. In addition to the weekday meals, they continue their Saturday mornings in the Cathedral.
“There have also been moments that have deeply touched our hearts. Sometimes someone says to us through tears, “Today, this plate of food is the only meal I will eat all day.” Or someone hugs us and says, “Thank you for making us feel that someone still cares about us.” It is in those moments that we truly understand the Comedor Humanitario is much more than a place to feed the body—it is a place where dignity, compassion, and hope are restored.”
Happy volunteer serving Horchata drinks.
If you would like to support this remarkable couple, donations are always welcome. The kitchen currently needs disposable plates and cutlery; large garbage bags; cooking oils, vegetables, beans, rice, sugar, ham, chorizo, chicken, barley, Jamaica and Horchata drink mixes and cleaning supplies.
Financial contributions are also greatly appreciated to cover expenses such as electricity, water, rent and gasoline. “Any contribution, large or small, helps us continue serving those in need.”
“Without question, our greatest reward has been discovering that, in trying to help others, we are actually the ones who receive the greatest blessings. Every smile, every expression of gratitude, and every life touched by this work reminds us that serving those in need is one of the most beautiful ways to encounter God.”
Martha works tirelessly in this tiny kitchen that feeds 50 people.
[Located at Benito Juárez #2601, between Simón Bolívar and 16 de Septiembre. Serving hot meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 am. Also, on Saturdays at 10:30 am. in the atrium of the Cathedral. For more information, call 669-155-0597.]
