Ten years ago, José and Verónica began welcoming children from their neighborhood in Vista Flores. They didn’t have much to offer, but every afternoon they prepared mate cocido and a tortita for whoever came by.
In the beginning, some children were shy and hesitant to come inside. Many were facing difficult situations at home, and it took time for them to feel comfortable. José and Verónica continued welcoming them, day after day.
Over time, the children began to see Iluminados as a familiar place. Today, they arrive with hugs and kisses, calling José, Verónica and the volunteers “tíos,” just as they would call members of their own family.
For José, providing food is a responsibility that goes beyond preparing a meal.
“Feeding these children is a commitment we make every single day. We can’t let them go without something as basic as food.”
That commitment has guided Iluminados for the past ten years, through difficult times and the changing needs of local families.
The space itself has grown alongside the program. In the early years, meals were served outdoors. Today, the children gather in a dining room built gradually with the help of neighbors and volunteers, who contributed their time to lay ceramic floors and improve the building. For the past six years, The Vines Foundation has provided materials and resources to help make these improvements possible.
A small vegetable garden has also become part of Iluminados, giving children the opportunity to grow and care for some of the food that reaches their table.
But perhaps the most meaningful change is what happens at mealtime. What began with mate cocido and a tortita has become a complete, nutritious meal for 40 to 80 children, depending on the time of year and the circumstances facing local families.
The work at Iluminados has also opened new opportunities for its volunteers. Through a partnership with the local municipality, The Vines Foundation helped ten volunteers complete certified food-handling training. Beyond improving food safety in the kitchen, the certification provides a useful qualification for those interested in working in Mendoza’s restaurant and hospitality industry.
Today, José and Verónica continue to welcome the children, with volunteers helping prepare and serve meals and The Vines Foundation contributing resources made possible by its donors.
Ten years later, much has changed at Iluminados. The meals are more nutritious, the space is larger, and more people are involved. But the commitment José and Verónica made to the children of Vista Flores remains the same: making sure they have something to eat, every day.
