Food Access La

Food Access La operates the largest network of mission-driven farmers' markets in los angeles, markets that link los angeles communities to fresh, nutritious regional produce. We provide a marketplace and business development opportunities for 300 regional family farms and local Food entrepreneurs, including the largest farmers' market in the city of los angeles. Since the 1990s, Food Access La has prioritized affordability and accessibility for public nutrition assistance benefits users at its farmers' markets. We were the first farmers' market operator in los angeles to implement all of the benefit and incentive programs, including accepting Food stamps.

Starting march 2020, the organization began raising money to bulk purchase produce from family farms in see-la's network impacted by the covid- 19 pandemic to distribute fresh Food to financially insecure families in south La. Most of the funding was received in the past two fiscal years and final funds were spent down in december 2022. This program was an effective alternative to make up for market fee revenue losses, support small family farms, Food business and the community in the midst of the public health crisis.

The organization's pompea smith good cooking/buena cocina program educates calfresh eligible adults about the importance of nutrition essentials and healthy preparation of meals. This is pursuant to a grant agreement with the los angeles county department of public health. Additional programing provides farmers' market adult classes showcasing in-season farm fresh produce funded by the California department of Food and agriculture. In addition, it administers programing providing farmers' market kids' culinary classes showcasing in-season farm fresh produce funded by the California department of Food and agriculture. Additionally, the organization's pompea smith good cooking/buena cocina program provides nutrition education in the classroom to 4th and 5th grade students in partnership with the lawndale elementary school district. This program is an extension of the grant funding through the los angeles country department of public health.