Health, agroecology and community: promoting sustainable food practices in las tunas neighborhood, buenos aires

About the projects and the community

CEPAN – Center for Prevention and Nutritional Assistance
CEPAN was originally a center that provided care only for children, pregnant women, and infants. In the last one or two years, it began transitioning into a CAFyS (Family and Health Care Center), expanding its services to a wider population. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services include: general medicine (available once a week from another CAFyS), pediatrics, obstetrics, nutrition (for children, adolescents, and recently for adults, although with a limited schedule), nursing, psychology, social work, early childhood stimulation, and gynecology.

MILPA – Agroecological Community
This grassroots organization is based in the Ricardo Rojas neighborhood, where the community garden and agroecological store are located. Youth and adults work there in a self-managed and cooperative way, maintaining the garden and selling agroecological and cooperative foods. The space is open to the community, and on Saturdays, gardening workshops are held along with discussions on community topics decided in assemblies. Agroecology and food sovereignty are central pillars. MILPA places strong value on building local networks and exchanging knowledge and perspectives. In this context, gathering to listen, support one another, and enjoy each other's company is essential.

Volunteer's Role

The program offers various opportunities for participation in both CEPAN and MILPA, including fixed-schedule activities and others that are more flexible, depending on the context and the volunteer’s interests. Personal initiative is highly valued, and activities can be tailored to each participant’s background and experience.

Participation in interdisciplinary community workshops (for diverse age groups):

TAS-H – Healthy Eating and Gardening Workshop
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Target group: Adults and seniors
Led by: Nutritionist, social worker, and MILPA (Day – garden coordinator)
Activities include: working in the community garden, healthy recipe cooking workshops, informational talks on the prevention and management of chronic diseases, and discussions about gardening, agroecology, food sovereignty, and the environment. There is also space for sharing cultural practices and food traditions. Volunteers are encouraged to share customs from their home country and prepare a traditional recipe as part of this exchange.

Teen Workshop
Second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Target group: Adolescents aged 12 to 18
Similar to the TAS-H workshop, with healthy recipes and group discussions on topics of interest such as comprehensive sexual education, suicide prevention, road safety, emotional wellbeing, and more. It is a space for play and listening.
Led by: Nutritionist, psychologist, social worker, and MILPA (Day – garden coordinator)

Community-based work:

• Health outreach events and talks at local institutions and organizations (e.g., senior centers, schools, community centers), usually focused on nutrition and sometimes on vaccination.
• Community health days organized jointly by neighborhood institutions, generally held in public plazas to foster community dialogue and preventative health practices.

Work at Comunidad MILPA:
Volunteers learn through hands-on work how to sow, plant, harvest, and maintain a garden. They also help with specific maintenance tasks to sustain the space. Volunteers are invited to join activities and discussions led by the collective. At some point, we encourage each volunteer to prepare a workshop on a topic of personal interest that aligns with the community’s values.

What can you learn as a volunteer?

• The Argentine health system: An understanding of how the public health system in Argentina operates, including its challenges and unique features.
• Local culture: Immersion in the traditions, customs, and values of local communities, strengthening intercultural skills.
• Health promotion and prevention: Strategies and tools to promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing in community settings.
• Fieldwork: Hands-on experience in addressing socio-health issues from a community-based perspective, in collaboration with local actors.
• The role of grassroots organizations: Insight into the impact and importance of local organizations in building support networks and fostering social change.
• A holistic view of health: A comprehensive approach that integrates physical, emotional, cultural, and social aspects, highlighting their interconnection.
• Nutrition, agroecology, and food sovereignty: Deeper understanding and exchange of knowledge on agroecological practices, access to healthy food, and communities’ rights to define their own food systems.

In addition, volunteers develop practical, reflective, and ethical skills essential for working in diverse and complex settings.

AVAILABILITY
February to November
The program runs from February to November. December and January are usually reserved for closing activities, holiday celebrations, and summer vacation. Flexibility in dates can be discussed upon request.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Wednesdays and Fridays may include activities at MILPA or CEPAN depending on each volunteer’s experience and timing. These are often days set aside for reflection and planning future actions.

LOCATION
The project is located in the outskirts of Buenos Aires City, in Las Tunas neighborhood, General Pacheco.
Accommodation can be arranged at Comunidad MILPA or with a local host family nearby. Volunteers may also choose to stay in the city and commute to the project on activity days, with the option of exploring the city on their days off.

REQUIREMENTS

• Upper-intermediate Spanish is necessary to actively participate in activities and engage with the community.
• Related background or studies in the fields of health, nutrition, community development, agroecology, or related areas. These can come from either formal or non-formal education settings.
• Minimum stay of one month.

EXPERIENCES

Francesca – Why would I recommend volunteering at CEPAN?

Volunteering at CEPAN is truly a rewarding experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. It offers a great opportunity for professional development, allowing volunteers to learn directly from experienced health professionals and gain valuable insight into the Argentine health system. You'll also develop a deeper understanding of preventative and community-centered approaches to healthcare and see their tangible impact on people’s lives. Many activities also provide a supportive space to practice public speaking, which helps boost confidence and communication skills.

The cultural exchange aspect is another highlight of volunteering at CEPAN. The weekly rotation of activities makes for a dynamic experience, from cooking and gardening to mental health discussions — all while learning about local traditions and life in Buenos Aires. For those looking to improve their Spanish, the workshops are a relaxed and welcoming environment to practice the language.

CEPAN also fosters a strong sense of community. The staff and workshop participants are incredibly friendly and welcoming, creating a warm atmosphere where volunteers quickly feel at home. You'll also have the chance to engage with local residents, hear their stories, and learn from their experiences and challenges — gaining a deeper understanding of the community perspective.
Overall, CEPAN combines professional growth, cultural learning, and community involvement in a way that is both impactful and deeply fulfilling, making it an ideal place for volunteers looking to contribute and grow.