After receiving help, volunteer coordinates popular kitchen in Araraquara Between pots, lunch boxes and volunteer work, stories of transformation have been built on the outskirts of Araraquara (SP). 📱 Follow g1 São Carlos and Araraquara on Instagram Maintained by donations and community mobilization, Cozinhas Populares distributes up to 700 lunch boxes per week in the Vale Verde and Residencial dos Oitis neighborhoods, serving families in vulnerable situations. Nursing technician Renata Marques dos Santos, aged 39, is one of the examples of the impact of the initiative. Previously a beneficiary of the meals, she is now part of the team of volunteers responsible for preparing lunch boxes. "The project came into my life at a time of need. I was a beneficiary and also helped as a volunteer. The lunch boxes helped not only me, but many families in the community", she said. Renata dos Santos (front) with her volunteer friends, Aline and Daiane, during preparation of the rango in Araraquara Personal file Belonging Having been away from Residencial dos Oitis for over a year, Renata continues to participate in the action weekly alongside other volunteers. Currently, Renata coordinates the Oitis kitchen alongside other residents of the community. "If we weren't present at these moments, perhaps some people wouldn't even have the basics to eat. Seeing the families' gratitude is very rewarding," he said. For José Lopes Nei, member of Coletivo Bases and responsible for the project, the volunteer's trajectory represents one of the project's greatest achievements. "It's very nice to see people who previously received lunch boxes now helping to prepare food. This strengthens community ties and creates a feeling of belonging," he said. According to Nei, reports of people who managed to overcome difficulties and began to collaborate with the project are frequent. "We received messages of thanks from families that we helped feed and also from people who got a job and want to donate food to repay the support they received," he said. More news from the region: SÃO JOÃO DA BOA VISTA: Abandoned after death, square gains new life at the hands of cyclists in the interior of SP ARARAS: Students transform green area into garden that stimulates senses and relieves stress in the interior of SP ARARAQUARA: Do you want to adopt an animal? 'Miaudote' website has more than 600 dogs and cats in the interior of SP Broken initiative The initiative was born in 2023 following a demand from the residents of Residencial dos Oitis. According to José Lopes Nei, member of Coletivo Bases, the idea came up during the graffiti festival "De Carandiru à Minha Quebrada", when an improvised kitchen was set up to feed more than 40 artists taking part in the action. Today, kitchens operate regularly twice a week in each neighborhood. At Oitis, the action is led by Renata and other community volunteers. In Vale Verde, the work is coordinated by Nei and volunteer Ícaro Pegler, with support from residents of the region. According to Nei, demand for meals has increased in recent months. Currently, the team is only able to serve a few days a week due to limited resources. "We deliver between 600 and 700 lunch boxes per week to children and families. The demand has been very high and this shows the continued need for support," he said. Union and volunteering Meals are prepared and distributed by volunteers. Although the dissemination takes place via WhatsApp groups, the community itself helps spread the information to residents without access to the internet or cell phones. The project mainly serves women responsible for supporting the family, as well as the elderly and homeless people. Distribution is free and aimed at residents experiencing food insecurity. From beneficiary to volunteer: Renata helps other families have access to a meal in Araraquara Bases Collective Much more than food In addition to distributing meals, the Popular Kitchens also became spaces for reception and training. The collective has already promoted baking workshops, cake production and professional courses, such as the "Na Régua" project, which trained young people and adults in the areas of barbering and hairdressing. Other initiatives also passed through the neighborhoods served, such as the "A Escola é Nossa" project, which uses graffiti to bring students closer to schools and strengthen the relationship with public spaces. According to Nei, all actions aim to offer professional qualifications, expand income generation opportunities and strengthen the autonomy of residents of the outskirts. Graffiti workshops are offered within the project in the served neighborhoods of Araraquara Stainle Photos and Videos Supported by donations Without government support or party links, Cozinhas Populares are maintained by financial donations, food and volunteer work. According to Coletivo Bases, fundraising takes place through permanent campaigns and contributions from the population. According to Nei, with R$20 it is possible to guarantee the production of 10 lunch boxes. The organizers state that, in addition to donations, it is also important for the population to know firsthand the reality of the communities served. "We want people to get to know the city that often doesn't appear. It's a city that supports Araraquara and that needs to be seen," he said. Affection, hope and organization For the organizers, the project goes beyond the delivery of meals and dialogues with solidarity, dignity and resistance. "It's proof that, with unity, we can take care of each other and ensure that no one goes hungry," concluded Nei. According to him, popular kitchens also represent a gateway to other forms of community mobilization. "There is no possibility of popular organization for rights on an empty stomach. Today, kitchens represent affection, hope and popular organization", he concluded. REVIEW EPTV CENTRAL VIDEOS: See more news from the region on g1 São Carlos and Araraquara