Transforming Food into a Political Device: A Biopolitical Reading of the Olla Común and the Fight against Hunger in Chile

Abstract

This paper explores the transformative role of the Chilean olla común (common pot) as a political device in the fight against hunger, framed within a biopolitical context. The olla común, a traditional form of community meal preparation by volunteers using donated or collected food, has historically emerged during crises such as earthquakes, political upheavals, and health emergencies. By providing nourishment and fostering social cohesion, the olla común transcends its immediate practical function to become a site of political and cultural significance.  We analyze the olla común through the lens of biopolitics, considering how these communal meals operate as tools of resistance and empowerment in times of crisis. The concept of performativity is employed to understand the olla común both “in” performance—where it is represented in a theatrical or stylized manner—and “as” performance—highlighting the everyday theatricality and transformative actions inherent in these communal practices. Post-dictatorship Chilean theatre and art often depict the olla común, emphasizing its role in redefining social norms and identities within a liminal space that challenges conventional structures.  The liminal dimension of the olla común allows it to transcend typical social boundaries, fostering solidarity and mutual support. This paper examines how these communal meals facilitate shifts in individual and collective identities, challenging established social hierarchies and promoting new forms of community connection. The ritualistic aspects of the olla común, with shared practices and symbols, further unite communities, serving as expressions of resistance and sources of healing. Ultimately, this study positions the olla común as a powerful biopolitical device, transforming food into a medium of social transformation and political action. By analyzing the olla común through the frameworks of biopolitics and gastropolitics proposed by  Appadurai,  Montecino and Foerster, and Escobar, we highlight its significance in addressing hunger and fostering resilience in Chilean communities.