Food Access LA

Big news! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce sweetgreen’s commitment to ensure Food Access LA’s eight farmers' markets and programs are more financially secure through 2025. This generous support keeps our markets thriving and strengthens fresh food access for communities across Los Angeles. With this funding, we’ll be able to continue offering access to fresh, local foods and promoting holistic wellness. Thanks to NBCLA for reporting on this story – stay tuned for more updates as we continue building a healthier, more equitable food system for all. 🌱

We are honored to have Leah Galitzdorfer, MS, RDN, our Program Manager, Nutrition Programs support the amazing collaboration by UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program. Thanks to all partners who are contributing to meaningful mentorship!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s SOLD OUT Food Access LA Plates with Purpose benefit dinner at Agnes Restaurant! We’re so incredibly grateful and in awe of your generosity– we exceeded our donation goal of $10k, which will help us expand our reach to build a healthier, more resilient LA where everyone can access nutritious food and sustainable support networks. Chefs Or Amsalam (@lodgebreadco), Vanessa Tilaka (Agnes Restaurant) Minh Phan, Thomas Kalb (@tommy_salame), and Ki Kim (@_Ki.kim) made an incredible spread– we’re still full today. They featured beautiful produce from Tamai Farms (@rtamaifarms), Roots Organic Farm (@roots_organic_farm), Weiser Farms (@weiserfamilyfarms), and Sunrise Organics (@sunriseorganicfarm). And thank you to Chef Minh for sharing her beautiful culinary artistry with us. A special thank you to Agnes for hosting this event, the Agnes and Food Access LA staff, and the organizations who donated auction items. We’re excited to start expanding our programming in the New Year with the proceeds from last night and our new partnership with sweetgreen! Host: Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery @agnes_pasadena Sponsors: Astrea Caviar (@astrea_caviar), Copa Fina (@copafina), Chambers & Chambers, Raw Cane Super Juice (@rawcanesuperjuice) Photographer: @deanomueller Event Production: @backofhouseagency

Honored to be one of the first Prosperity Fund recipients. Check out the United Way blog to learn more about how this grant will support our markets!

Join us for an unforgettable night with LA’s top chefs, all for a great cause. On Monday, December 9, Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery hosts the Plates with Purpose Winter Benefit Dinner, a five-course, family-style feast supporting @FoodAccessLA’s mission. Every ticket sold fuels fresh food access for underserved communities. Featuring produce from Weiser Family Farms, Tamai Farms, Roots Organic Farm, and Sunrise Organic Farm. Prepared by Chefs -Minh Phan, Phenakite -Thomas & Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, Agnes Restaurant -Or Amsalam, Lodge Bread Co. -Ki Kim, Ki We only have a few seats left - grab yours today! https://lnkd.in/gJjDu4EF

As we gather to enjoy our favorite holiday dishes, we reflect on the vital role local farmers and food vendors play in nourishing our families and communities. The fresh, wholesome food they provide is at the heart of our celebrations and a cornerstone of the work we support at Food Access LA. This season, we’re especially grateful for you. Your support fuels our mission to ensure equitable access to fresh, local food while sustaining the farmers who make it possible. Together, we’re creating a legacy where accessible and equitable food systems will not only endure but thrive for generations to come. May the meals you share this week remind us all of the importance of family, community, and caring for one another. Wishing you a joyful and abundant season of gratitude.

Encouraging Sustainable Choices Beyond Groceries! At Food Access Los Angeles, our mission is to inspire Angelenos to embrace sustainable habits, from choosing local, seasonal produce to making mindful decisions in other areas of consumption. Last week, we took that mission to new heights by partnering with the incredible ZeroWaste4LA Team to host an Anti-Black Friday Clothing Swap at our LA River and Echo Park Farmers’ Markets! Why a clothing swap? 🌍 Clothing is one of the largest contributors to landfill waste, with enough garments in circulation to dress six future generations. Fast fashion's overproduction and reliance on non-biodegradable materials exacerbate this crisis. Our event offered an alternative: a fun, free, and sustainable way to "shop" while avoiding the temptations of Black Friday sales. The response from our community was overwhelming! Many attendees expressed their excitement and called for more clothing swaps in the future. We’re thrilled to see such enthusiasm for sustainable living and look forward to hosting more events like this. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a success. Together, we’re proving that small changes can create a big impact.

We are hiring for two positions on our farmers' market team: the Hollywood & LA River Farmers' Market Assistant Manager as well as the Watts-Willowbrook Farmers' Market Manager. Please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gzMrdu2t for more information and to apply. Interviews to be conducted in mid-December for a start date in January

Over the weekend we had the honor of serving members of the community near our Crenshaw farmers' market and Watts/Willowbrook farmers' market alongside our friends at the Social Justice Learning Institute. We partnered with one of our farmers, J M Produce to distribute 300 free mixed produce boxes. We were also able to hand out resource information about our market match and EBT benefits at all Food Access LA markets to members in the community who may not know about this option. Thank you Wondaland Arts Society for being a part of this distribution and helping to expand food access in our communities! #wondalunch #losangeles

Dear Friends, We are overwhelmed with gratitude as we reflect on the incredible support we received during our fall membership drive. Thanks to you—our generous donors, new monthly members, and amazing community partners—we met our goal this month! We’re thrilled to share that we now have 97 monthly donors! This critical support ensures the continued operation of our farmers’ markets and programs dedicated to food equity. Because of you, we’re in a much stronger financial position and can confidently say that ALL of our markets are on their way to becoming thriving community hubs. In times when we feel disconnected from one another, we are proud to offer a place where our community can come together, build connections, and support one another. From media partners helping us tell our story, to behind-the-scenes anonymous donors, to community partners amplifying our mission, and to each person who forwarded an email, reposted a story, donated, or visited a market—we are deeply grateful. Your kind messages have been shared with our team and have truly energized us all. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our free, culturally, and community-specific market activities and continue creating a safe, welcoming space for farmers and food vendors to connect directly with you. Thank you for showing us so much love and support. We are excited for what’s to come in 2025 and beyond—and we couldn’t have done it without you. With heartfelt gratitude, Jennifer Grissom, Executive Director Food Access LA