About

Hola! My name is Luna Vela, and this project is my baby. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, grew up in McAllen, and currently based in Austin, TX. Somehow my life journey has led me to be a professional molinera/tortillera, anthropologist, artist, and chef. I've helped develop masa + fermentation programs for several restaurants across Texas, while learning and sharing trade secrets across the U.S. + Mexico, teaching culinary workshops, and playing with the intersections of food, art, and culture.

Neighborhood Molino is a molino comunitario / community mill — hidden inside Nepantla, USA in East Austin, TX. A place for you to come grind your own masa and other goods. Here you will have the guidance required to operate a molino, learn about maíz, reconnect with this ancestral practice, and take home a beautiful product. Currently offering 1-1 molino services & training, public workshops, our space has a small community library, as well as heirloom dry goods for sale. Slowly, we are developing a co-op ownership model with trusted community partners. I hope to continue to grow this project with you all, dreaming of ways to reclaim our food sovereignty and cultural autonomy.

Neighborhood Molino started in the RGV during the 2020 pandemic after losing my job and realizing how prevalent food insecurity was in my community. I started by offering fresh ground masa at pay-what-you-can rate at my local farmer’s market, selling masa to local restaurants, and doing a weekly brunch pop-up that celebrated masa and the valley’s unique culinary heritage. During that time, I also partnered with local organizations and schools to teach students, kids, and their families the cultural and nutritional importance of heirloom maíz and fresh ground masa.
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Thank you for being here & following the journey.