International Food Distribution · A program of Food Aid Project
Zèl Zanj
Working through a sourcing partner that contracts directly with farmers, Zèl Zanj turns recleaned split beans — Angel Wings — into food relief shipped through NGO partners to families across the Caribbean and Central America. It supports farmers' livelihoods on one end and food security on the other.
The name
Why “Angel Wings”
Zèl Zanj is Haitian Creole for Angel Wings. We call the beans we ship for food relief “Angel Wings” because of the shape of a split bean. We named the program Zèl Zanj because Haiti was the first country where we delivered them.
A bag with a second life
The 50 kg beans travel in high-quality woven bags carrying mosaic-style “Angel Wings” artwork — a nod to the rich mosaic tile traditions of the region. The bags are chosen so families can reuse them to carry supplies long after the beans are gone: a small measure of dignity and sustainability built into the program.
How it works
A model that helps farmers and families at once
Zèl Zanj works through a sourcing partner whose operation is fully vertically integrated — and that integration is the engine of the program's impact, supporting farmers' economic security while delivering low-cost, nutritious food where it's needed.
Contract directly with farmers
Our sourcing partner contracts directly with farmers to reclean their split beans and open new markets — creating demand that supports farmer livelihoods and economic security.
Reclean, protect & pack
Damaged product and foreign material are removed, pests are mitigated, and the beans are recleaned to human-consumption quality and bagged into 50 kg woven sacks branded as “Angel Wings.”
Ship & distribute via NGOs
With logistics support built into the chain, we expedite relief through NGO partner organizations to people in need across the region.
Why it matters
Because the supply chain is integrated end to end, Zèl Zanj delivers an inexpensive, nutritious, high-protein food source that strengthens food security in the countries we serve — while the same model supports the economic security of the farmers who grow the beans.
Where we serve
Seven countries across the Caribbean & Central America
The insight
Why split beans go further
A split bean isn't just cheaper to buy — it changes the economics of the meal itself, especially where cooking fuel is scarce.
Cook faster, cost less
Split beans cook faster and cost less than whole beans — savings that reach both our NGO partners and the families they serve.
Fuel is the hidden cost
Over 40% of the world cooks over an open fire — higher in deforested Haiti — and the wood, charcoal, or gas can cost more than the beans themselves.
Savings on both ends
Faster cooking means less fuel burned per meal. Zèl Zanj saves partners money on the food and saves families money on the fire.
The economics
Built for impact per dollar
Figures describe the program's unit economics and shipping capacity, drawn from program materials — they are not a claim of meals already delivered in a given period. [Verify & date before publish]
A note on freight & status
During 2020–21, ocean-freight rates rose dramatically — by roughly tenfold — which interrupted shipments; rates began easing in late 2022. [Confirm current operating status / shipments since 2022]
Looking ahead
Exploring expansion into Africa
We're actively exploring how to extend the Zèl Zanj model into Africa, and seeking partnerships with NGOs and government agencies in a number of countries. If your organization works in food security or agriculture and wants to talk, we'd like to hear from you.
Calling artists
The Angel Wings name and bag art are part of what gives this program its dignity. We're seeking artists who share our mission to create original Angel Wings artwork for our bags — and to be featured for it. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.
Support Zèl Zanj
Turn dollars into meals
Donations to Food Aid Project support Zèl Zanj and our other programs. Give once, monthly, or yearly through Every.org — 100% tax-deductible.