Food Access LA

Farmers Market Operator Food Access LA Needs $12,000 Monthly to Operate | Eater LA

"Facing funding shortages that could force it to shut down, Food Access LA (formerly SEE-LA) operates eight farmers markets across the city — including the prominent Hollywood, Echo Park, and Atwater Village markets as well as markets in Compton, Watts, Crenshaw, Central Avenue, and the L.A. River — supplying locally grown produce to underserved communities and numerous restaurants. Executive director Jennifer Grissom says more than 50% of the markets' funding comes from government grants and she is asking the community for an additional $12,000 a month to keep operations going. The organization estimates it serves over 10,000 residents a week and supports the livelihoods of more than 250 farmers and 200 vendors, many of whom cook international street food and other affordable ready-to-eat items; the markets also provide an EBT match of $15 a week. Since its founding in 1996, Food Access LA has been described as a vital nonprofit to the city’s foodways." - Matthew Kang