This story is part of “Stories of Action,” a series highlighting the finalists from our first-ever global open call, which saw 175 organizations apply, leading to 24 finalists and four grant recipients. This initiative seeks to amplify impactful climate justice efforts and celebrate the ongoing work activists are doing around the world to advance climate justice.
Latin America’s history is a history of migration—people seeking opportunities and moving between territories and from rural areas to cities. In Mexico City, this movement often leads to fragmentation, where individuals fend for themselves, and neighbors remain strangers, despite living side by side. This disconnect hinders the creation and strength of support networks, which makes communities more vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity.
Gatherings, dialogues, and exchanges among neighbors.
Casa Gallina responds to this challenge by fostering community connections through everyday interactions. They host what they call “situations”—activities designed to bring people together based on their interests, with Casa Gallina acting as a facilitator. These range from film screenings to communal dinners and urban gardening. “We set the table so that interactions can happen,” says Josefa Ortega from Casa Gallina.
One of the most impactful situations has been community gardens, which promote food self-sufficiency while strengthening relationships between neighbors. Today, only 57.8% of the Mexican population has stable access to food, while 42.2% experience food insecurity, according to Mexico’s National Council of Evaluation. These gardens not only provide fresh produce and food security, but they also create connections between nature, farming, cooking traditions, and nutrition.
Beyond immediate food security, Casa Gallina is investing in future generations by integrating environmental education into local lesson plans. By introducing climate action perspectives in schools, educators can expose students to nature, enhance critical thinking, and foster empathy for their environment.
Casa Gallina remains committed to something monumental: building a sense of community among city dwellers and reconnecting people with the environment.
🔗 Learn more about Casa Gallina’s work here!