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A U.S. Air Force C-5 Super Galaxy aircraft delivered more than 165,000 pounds of food to Panama through the Denton Program, a humanitarian airlift that transports privately donated aid supplies in military aircraft with available space, on August 30, 2025.
The freight transport consisted of four 40-foot containers carrying more than 5,000 boxes of food – enough for more than six million meals – valued at more than $315,000.
“With this donation we will be serving several communities – Aguadulce, San Blas, Veraguas, Chiriquí – the areas with the greatest need at this time,” said Francisco Chávez Jr., donation coordinator of the Castillo Del Rey Foundation. “Thanks to the Denton Program, we can change people’s lives.”
The donation highlights a cooperation between the United States and Panama focused on people, based on respect for Panamanian leadership and a shared commitment to community welfare. The delivery, donated through the Castillo Del Rey Foundation, will be distributed, together with Panamanian authorities and local organizations, to reach the most vulnerable homes.
Beyond food, the airlift represents a significant economic injection. The US government is investing more than $500,000 in the C-5 operation for this delivery.
Since 2004, the programs of the Southern Command have totaled more than $50 million in Panama, including the construction of clinics, schools, facilities of the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) and fire stations, as well as the delivery of emergency supplies, water filtration systems, fire equipment and medicines for the Ministry of Health.
Today’s delivery under the Denton Program is the most recent step in that long cooperation.
“The Denton Program is a bridge of solidarity between the American people and the Panamanian people,” said Captain Daniel Betancourt, military attaché of the United States Embassy in Panama. “These efforts reflect the values we share, the commitment and compassion that unite the United States and Panama to improve the quality of life of Panamanian citizens.”
In figures:
- 167,940 pounds of food delivered in four 40-foot containers aboard the C-5 Super Galaxy.
- 5,040 boxes of fortified rice, soy nuggets and vegetables dehydrated with vitamins and minerals, with expiration date until 2026–2027.
- More than $315,000 is the total value of the charge, donated through the Castillo Del Rey Foundation.
- 1,033,000 pounds of food distributed in Panama since 2013, equivalent to 6.5 million meals.
- More than 50 sites benefited, including schools, orphanages and food programs – from Guna Yala and Ngäbe Buglé to Chiriquí, Veraguas, Darién and Bocas del Toro.
- 2–5 weeks: estimated time for food to reach all beneficiaries nationwide.
- More than $500,000 cost for the US government to operate the C-5 for this delivery.
- Local economic activity: airport fees, ground handling, fuel services, lodging, transportation and other contracts paid to Panamanian suppliers.
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