How food brings people together

A story, quote and lesson about finding meaning in what we eat

Hi everyone!

First of, I want to try out a new format for the weekly newsletters. Instead of listing out several reflections derived from a recent article or event, the posts will now focus on a single story, a related quote and the main lesson we can draw from it, hence the name SQL (not at all related to the programming language). This change is mainly to make the posts more concise, easy-to-read and memorable. Without further ado, this week’s post is about food.

If life gives you lemons, make tamales…

Every year, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the people of Milpa Alta, Mexico spend hours preparing tamales and atole for a celebration called La Rejunta¹. Thousands of people come from all over the country (and even from abroad) to feast and prepare for the pilgrimage to the Chalma sanctuary, 59 miles away.

Volunteers preparing tamales for the attendees (CMC Milpa Alta, 2017)

It is a grueling task, requiring the volunteers and organizers (called mayordomos) stay up multiple nights in preparation for the feast. They rarely complain, however, as they see it as an opportunity to give back to their community. As Doña Cata, a 68-year-old volunteer put it: “I feel love when I cook. I feel love for God. I ask God for help and for the well-being of all my people.”

Milpa Alta is one of the poorest boroughs in Mexico City, with nearly 46% of the population living in moderate poverty². However, as expressed by multiple residents, people rarely go hungry in Milpa Alta. For them, food is the way they express their sense of community and warmth.

Yet, in reality, food is only the medium through which they develop their relationships. The concept of the sobremesa is widely practiced around Mexico. It is a stretch of time, after a meal, when the entire family or group stays seated and just talks. It is usually a time for laughs, confessions and even some juicy gossip.

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“In my experience there is a glue, a bonding, that comes from the time together at the table. It feels like I am passing down a tradition. Here we have time to cook, time to think just what ingredients are needed, time to show your kids through cooking that you love them.”

- Josefina García Jiménez, a Milpa Alta resident and shepherd

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From this story and tradition, we can clearly picture the value that food brings to this community. No one can deny that the food is delicious, however, it is when people get together that the food truly shows its purpose. It is merely an excuse for people to spend quality time with each other.

Whenever we eat with others, we are instinctively sharing a fulfilling experience. One where we are, in a way, pushed to talk to each other, to learn more about what drives and motivates each of us, or simply to have fun and enjoy a few sessions of juicy gossip. Good company always justifies bad food, but good food rarely justifies bad company.

So now I ask you:

When you share your next meal with someone, how will you deepen your connection and make the moment truly meaningful?

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1. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/communal-table/

2. https://www.economia.gob.mx/datamexico/en/profile/geo/milpa-alta