Refettorio: Nourishing Hearts with Dignity

Refettorio: Comida digna que apapacha el corazón, comedores comunitarios en el centro de Mérida.

The San Juan neighborhood is full of hidden gems, like its stunning church, the historic arch, and charming colonial buildings at every corner. One of these buildings holds a sort of secret—it’s home to Refettorio Mérida. Refettorios are community dining facilities and social programs that serve meals to hundreds of people in need from Monday to Friday.

There are 13 Refettorios around the world. This noble project arrived in Mérida in 2020 (just before the COVID-19 pandemic began), becoming the first and, to date, the only Refettorio in México. Refettorio Mérida is the result of a collaboration with the non-profit organizations Food for Soul, founded by Chef Massimo Bottura, and the Palace Resorts Foundation. The main goal of this gourmet community dining hall is to dignify those in vulnerable situations and the food provided to them, offering a complete culinary and cultural experience.

How Refettorio Mérida works

First and foremost, they recover food that is nearing its expiration date or at risk of being discarded by large companies, giving it a second chance and better use.

To make this happen, the kitchen team crafts a dynamic menu each day, featuring two to three courses that make the most of all available ingredients. They come up with new and exciting recipes daily, ensuring high standards of both aesthetics and nutrition.

In fact, each dish looks like it came from a high-end restaurant; this ensures that guests feel they are not just receiving charity. Guests at Refettorio Mérida, like those at any restaurant, are recognized, attended to, and, most importantly, heard. They can express their views on the food, request assistance from volunteers, and enjoy a pleasant moment with others.

You might have noticed that guests here are called "guests" rather than "beneficiaries." This is because anyone who comes to Refettorio is welcomed like family and invited to dine with them. As Mercedes Perales González, manager of the Palace Foundation, puts it, they strive to offer “a service that nourishes the body and warms the soul.”

Every day, the dining hall welcomes 100 guests, prepares 250 takeaway portions, and provides food to residents through their second social program in the city, making nearly 400 portions of food daily. Their dedication to quality is evident in everything they do—they play music to enhance the atmosphere, and both volunteers and staff constantly interact with the guests.

Who makes the work of Refettorio Mérida possible

Refettorio Mérida has a dedicated staff that includes an executive chef and a sous chef, as well as culinary interns or those in related fields. The team is complemented by volunteers who take on various roles such as hosts, servers, waitstaff (for both drinks and food), dishwashers, and personal hygiene assistants.

All these positions are selected randomly through a raffle during the "briefing," a short meeting held before opening the doors and starting activities. Volunteers are responsible for providing service from the moment the first guest arrives until cleaning activities are completed. Afterward, like all guests, they get to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.

Volunteering at this dining hall is a unique experience as it allows you to encounter different perspectives and life stories, socialize with a diverse range of people, and, most importantly, offer a joyful and dignified moment to those in need.

How to volunteer at Refettorio Mérida

The most important thing to know is that volunteering here is flexible; you don't need to make a long-term commitment, just dedicate a few hours on the day or days of your choosing. The process to get involved is straightforward. First, contact them via WhatsApp at +52 998 131 8032; they'll provide you with all the necessary details, including what to wear, hours, dates, and other specifics.

The role you'll have is assigned through a raffle, but don't worry—once you have your role, they'll explain how to perform it, and the staff will always be happy to assist with any questions.

Anyone can volunteer, regardless of age, nationality, or other circumstances. However, if a minor wants to help, they must be accompanied by an adult. Typically, they accept between 15 and 18 volunteers per day.

If for any reason you can’t volunteer but still want to help, Refettorio Mérida also accepts donations, either food or money. They particularly struggle to source proteins and vegetables. Additionally, Refettorio is always looking to collaborate with businesses to recover and repurpose their ingredients before their expiration dates. If you have food that could be useful, call or message them at the same number to connect and contribute.

As you can see, volunteering at Refettorio is more than just providing service for a few hours; it's about seeing the world from a different perspective and recognizing how any action, big or small, can change lives and provide moments that will be remembered and appreciated. If you can volunteer, don’t hesitate—just do it, and you won’t regret it!

Calle 60 #550 x 69 y 71, Barrio de San Juan, Centro
Mon. -Fri. 12 - 2:30 pm
+52 998 103 0909
www.refettoriomerida.com
IG: refettoriomerida
FB: Refettorio Mérida

Refettorio is part of the mutual aid network Mérida Nos Une (Mérida brings us together). This network provides a space for citizens to connect, share resources, ideas, and experiences, and work together on projects and activities that benefit the community.

If you’d like to help and don’t know where to start, you can contact the network to explore various ways to get involved, support, and make a difference together. Reach out via cell phone at 999 338 8592, send an email to meridanosune1@gmail.com  or meridanosune@merida.gob.mx, or fill out the "Quiero Ayudar (I Want to Help)" form on the Mérida Nos Une Platform.

Learn more about this and other associations in wich you can help in Volunteering in Yucatán: Give your best this year 2024.

Photography by Carlos Guzmán, for its use in Yucatán Today.

First published in Yucatán Today website in August 2024.