The Maya Community Center represents collaboration and hope

The Maya Community Center initiative began with a simple vision of bringing nutritious meals to families in need. What started as a modest community kitchen project quickly blossomed into a thriving hub of activity in Cholul. The center, located on Calle 21 behind the Cholul Municipal Palace, established itself as the central point for food donations and community organizing.

Under the direction of Lizbeth Cocom and the Cholul Municipal Commissary, the center opened its doors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Residents could contact the center through their dedicated phone line to coordinate donations or request assistance. The early success of the program attracted attention from surrounding communities, with friends and allies offering their support to help the initiative grow and expand its reach.

The donation system developed organically, with the center accepting essential food items including beans, rice, sugar, cooking oil, eggs, and various syrups for beverages, along with bottled water. The organization meticulously registered each donation to ensure proper distribution among families. Beyond food items, the center identified urgent infrastructure needs, including tables, chairs, and refrigerators, which would allow them to serve more people effectively.

Every Friday became a special day for the center, as volunteers delivered nutritious breakfasts to different communities. The program operated through a collaborative approach with local schools, where parent committees contributed ingredients from their home gardens—tomatoes, oranges, chaya, and other local produce. These community contributions were then supplemented with donated food items to create balanced, nutritious meals that respected local culinary traditions.

The menu offered variety and nutrition: scrambled eggs with vegetables, turkey hot dogs with vegetables, oatmeal pancakes, chicken and vegetable soup, chicken salad, and an assortment of fresh fruits and natural beverages. The center provided a fully equipped kitchen space with all necessary utensils, enabling families to prepare meals according to their own customs and traditions. This approach not only provided nutrition but preserved cultural food practices and fostered community pride.

Volunteers became the backbone of the operation, working in two critical capacities. Some assisted with food preparation alongside local families, learning from each other and sharing cooking techniques. Others managed the transport and delivery of food to communities, ensuring that even the most remote areas received nutritious meals. The volunteer coordination happened through direct messaging, allowing for flexible scheduling and maximum participation.

The administration of the building fell under the joint oversight of the Municipal Commissary and Los Mayas Eternos A.C., a nonprofit foundation. The organization remained open to receiving proposals for fundable projects benefiting the community, creating pathways for sustainable growth. Clear guidelines were established for all participants: volunteers and visitors wore official badges and registered upon entry, photography restrictions were implemented in accordance with Mexican law protecting children’s privacy, and the foundation name could not be used for unauthorized fundraising.

The Maya Community Center emerged as more than just a food distribution point—it became a symbol of community resilience and cooperation. Through shared meals and collaborative food preparation, cultural bonds strengthened and nutritional knowledge spread throughout the region. What began as an effort to address immediate food insecurity evolved into a comprehensive approach to community well-being, nurturing both bodies and social connections.

The story of the Maya Community Center continues to unfold, with each donated bag of rice, each volunteer hour, and each shared meal writing a new chapter in this community-driven narrative of hope, nutrition, and solidarity.