A Healthy and Just Food System for South Los Angeles is Underway!

By Tanishia Wright

By Tanishia Wright

With a growing population of over 1.3 million residents, South Los Angeles is finally getting the recognition it deserves as an area that is in need of more healthy food options and innovative food policies to support healthy retail and restaurant establishments in the community. South Los Angeles has one of the poorest food resource environments in LA County. Access to affordable, healthy foods and beverages is a basic necessity and an essential component of a healthy neighborhood.

A recent study conducted by the University of Southern California concluded that children residing in South Los Angeles have a higher percentage of obesity than that of other children living outside of the area.  Students, who attend school on a daily basis, are faced with little healthy food options each and every single day as they travel to and from school. South Los Angeles has been called a "food desert" by many and residents have had enough! By attending town hall meetings and testifying at public hearings, the residents of South Los Angeles are letting their voices be heard!

With the rising movement of residents who are concerned about their health, policy makers can no longer ignore the fact that this issue is real and something has to be done about it. Community Health Councils (CHC) Food Policy Roundtable Coalition has advocated and collaborated with community stakeholders and policy makers to improve the food resource environment in South Los Angeles. Motions have been introduced and implemented, grocery stores that offer affordable healthy food options are being built, community gardens are now occupying spaces that were once empty and underutilized and children are now being served healthy lunches at school.

Community Health Councils has played an integral role in all of the food advocacy and food policy activities that has improved the food resource environment in South Los Angeles.

 Here is a brief recap of CHC's food policy victories:

 Policy:

• Fast Food ICO:  The Fast Food Moratorium was placed on the community plan areas in South LA. The Fast Food Interim Control Ordinance (Fast Food ICO) was a motion to prohibit new permits for stand alone fast food restaurants from existing within a half-mile radius of pre-existing stand alone fast food establishments.  
•  Fast Food ICO Replacement:  Amendment to the South Los Angeles   Community Plan permanently restricting stand alone fast food development.
• Fresh Works Fund (formally the California Healthy Food Financing Initiative: $200 million dollars in funds to increase healthy food access in "food desert" communities. The fund was recognized nationally and was   endorsed by first lady Michelle Obama.
•  South Los Angeles Health Impacts Assessment:  Survey tool utilized to assess the impact of the current fast food regulations.
•  Fresh & Healthy Food Enterprise Zones: Provide zoning and financial incentives to attract grocery store development within zone areas.
•  Health as Part of the General Plan: A City Planning Tool to promote  healthy communities.
• LA City Food Policy Council: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa created the Los Angeles Food Policy Council in January 2011 to create a solid infrastructure that would continuously increase access to healthy food options in Los Angeles.

Collaborative Efforts:

• Community Garden at Ben's Place: Establishment of a Community Learning Garden in View Park.
• CRA/LA Market Conversion Program: Through the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Community Market Conversion Program transforms small markets into places that offer fresh produce that is sourced locally at affordable prices.
• South Los Angeles Food Co-op: The Co-op will sell organic products that are sourced locally.

 Policy Briefs:

•  Does Race Define What's in the Shopping Cart Policy Brief 2008'
•  From Food Desert to Food Oasis Policy Brief 2010'
•  Fast Food Restaurant Report Policy Brief 2012'