In the mountains of Lempira, Honduras, children from coffee-farming families walk long distances each day just to reach the classroom. Some cross rivers during rainy season. Many arrive hungry. In 2025, The School That Coffee Built teamed up with the community of Cementera to change that—with a new Children’s Lunchroom at Juan Lindo School.
More Than a Meal
This project created a clean space where students can eat nourishing meals—something many currently go without during the school day. But this isn’t just a lunchroom. It will also serve as a gathering place for school events, parent meetings, and community activities, offering a much-needed hub for connection and care.
“This lunchroom is not just a building,” says Leticia Gámez, director of Juan Lindo School. “It’s a beacon of hope.”
Why It’s Urgent
Cementera is a key link in the coffee supply chain, supplying essential labor and sustaining coffee production year after year. But the community’s children face real hardship: long treks to school, dangerous conditions in bad weather, and the challenge of learning while hungry. This lunchroom will offer more than a meal—it will be a daily reminder that their future matters.
By improving nutrition and creating a secure, welcoming environment, we’re investing in the health, education, and dignity of families who play a vital role in every cup of coffee we enjoy.
Built With the Community
What makes this project powerful is the deep involvement of the community itself. From local leaders to school staff to the families of students, everyone has had a voice in the design and planning. “Our community is tightly knit,” says José Alfredo Diaz, a local coffee producer and parent. “Every project that arrives is embraced with open arms and a willingness to contribute.”
The project is made possible by the support of INLOHER, local community leadership, and a financial contribution from Luna Gourmet, aligning technical know-how with lived experience.
Inauguration & New Lunchroom Features
The inauguration of the new lunchroom marks an important milestone for the Escuela Juan Lindo and the Cementera community. Designed to provide a safe, dignified, and hygienic space, the lunchroom ensures that students can enjoy their daily meals in a clean and welcoming environment.
The facility includes full electrical and water connections, allowing for proper food preparation and service. It is fully equipped with a stove, essential kitchen utensils, and tables and chairs, creating a functional space that supports both nutrition and comfort for the children.
Quality & Construction Standards
The project was completed in accordance with established plans, timelines, and quality standards. Throughout the construction process, INLOHER and Fundación Grano de Esperanza provided continuous oversight, ensuring all requirements were met and that the final result would serve the community for years to come.