The aim of the research is to analyze the role played by migrants from any country of origin in the Mexican urban food systems in a contemporary period market by indefinite and precarious periods of “transit”, where migrants find themselves in need of work and food. We will focus on three cities that are key nodes on the migrant path: Tapachula (southern border), Mexico City (central region) and Nogales (northern border).
Our research centers on the following questions: How do migrants in each of these different locations seek employment and feed themselves? What role do other migrants play in helping them to access food (including commercial transactions, gifts, sharing etc)? What sites in the urban food system provide employment opportunities and what are the mechanisms through which insertion in these spaces is achieved? How does gender shape the insertion and opportunities to participate in food-based employment?