BRICKS TO BREAD COSTA RICA PROJECTS
MERIELEN ARAYA VILLAGRA & FAMILY – QUEBRADA GRANDE, GUANACASTE

THE COMMUNITY

Consuelo de Quebrada Grande is a rural community in Liberia, Guanacaste, with about 2,100 residents. Most families work in agriculture or cattle ranching, and many must travel to Liberia for additional employment. Local access to fresh baked goods is limited, with most households purchasing processed products from the supermarket or pulpería. The community is active and close-knit, with strong involvement in the church, ASADA, and local committees.

THE FAMILY

Merielen Araya Villagra has a large, supportive family, and everyone contributes to their small bakery business. Merielen and one sister prepare the baked goods, while another sister manages sales, and her parents help with distribution. With several children studying — including two in university — the family is working to build a more reliable income source they can manage together from home.

They sell cakes and pastries through WhatsApp, local deliveries, and community events.

LIVES CHANGED

Merielen has completed formal training in panadería (bread) y repostería (pastry) through IPEC O’Sullivan Culinaria in partnership with IMAS, skills which will help grow their family business – Panadería Sol y Luna.

The whole family is deeply involved in community life. Merielen serves as the only catechist in the area, while her husband and parents hold active leadership roles in the church and local water committees. Their Bricks to Bread oven strengthens the family’s income, supports their children’s education, and offers fresh, artisan products to a community that had depended on processed bread.