World Food Day: Addressing Food Insecurity in South Los Angeles

16 Oct World Food Day: Addressing Food Insecurity in South Los Angeles

By Marsha Mitchell, Senior Director of Communications

Access to adequate food and nutrition should be a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, millions of people around the world still lack access to nutritious food and clean water.  World Food Day is an internationally celebrated day observed worldwide on October 16th, commemorating the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. World Food Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of this issue. It encourages initiatives to ensure everyone has access to proper nutrition and food.

Food insecurity, a persistent issue affecting communities worldwide, is particularly prevalent in South Los Angeles. As of July 2022, 24.3% of L.A. County households were food insecure in the past year (2022). South LA  is characterized by limited access to affordable, healthy food options, leading to high rates of food insecurity. Many neighborhoods in the area lack full-service grocery stores and are dominated by fast-food chains and convenience stores, offering predominantly processed and unhealthy food choices. This scarcity of nutritious options creates food deserts. 

A food desert is an area with a 20% or higher poverty rate and in which one-third of the population lives more than a mile away from a supermarket. These food deserts disproportionately affect low-income communities, exacerbating health disparities and contributing to the high prevalence of diet-related diseases. 

“The region of South Los Angeles is a community with extremely limited access to fresh food. In fact, South L.A. is currently considered a food desert. The lack of access to fresh foods and a drought of supermarkets results in an influx of fast food restaurants, liquor stores, and small convenience stores.”–Food Deserts in South LA.

The root causes of food insecurity in South Los Angeles are systemic factors such as poverty, racial inequity, and urban planning. Historical disinvestment in these communities has resulted in limited economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and a need for more resources for healthy food retail. What’s more, discriminatory practices in the food industry have perpetuated the unequal distribution of grocery stores, leaving marginalized communities with few options for fresh and affordable produce. 

Addressing food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that involves community engagement, policy changes, and increased investment in local food systems. The state’s food assistance program, CalFresh, has been drastically cut. Community gardens, farmers’ markets, and urban agriculture initiatives can provide fresh produce and foster community resilience. The Ron Finley Project is teaching communities how to transform food deserts into food sanctuaries and teaching individuals how to regenerate their lands into creative business models. 

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Collaborations between local organizations, government agencies, and businesses can help establish more grocery stores and incentivize healthy food retail in underserved areas. Additionally, educational programs on nutrition, cooking skills, and budgeting can empower residents to make healthier food choices.  Grassroots organizations and community leaders can work together to advocate for policies that promote equitable access to healthy food, such as zoning regulations that encourage the establishment of grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods. Also needed are initiatives that support local farmers, reduce food waste, and increase funding for nutrition assistance programs that significantly combat food insecurity. 

Food insecurity in South Los Angeles is a complex issue that requires collective action and systemic change. By addressing the root causes, implementing community-based solutions, and advocating for policy reforms, we can create a more equitable food system that ensures all residents have access to nutritious and affordable food. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of marginalized communities and work towards building a healthier and more resilient South Los Angeles.