Topline:
Little Tokyo will welcome a new farmers market at the Isamu Noguchi Plaza at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, starting next Saturday.
Why it matters: Farmers markets have come and gone for the historic neighborhood, according to the new market's operator and director of Food Access L.A., Jennifer Grissom. This latest one will feature local farmers and artisans with a focus on those of Japanese descent.
When can I shop? The market will open Aug. 30 and take place every Saturday. Vendors will accept CalFresh EBT cards and WIC checks and will also offer Market Match, which increases CalFresh benefits.
The backstory: Grissom said the process started several years ago by the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, which will host the market in its Isamu Noguchi Plaza. "They had written a grant and they really wanted to bring fresh fruits and vegetables that would be accessible to their community,” Grissom said. This program is also supported, in part, by the American Rescue Plan Act and the L.A. Food Equity Fund.
Where: Isamu Noguchi Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Aug. 30.
What's next: The center is also looking to engage more with the large community of older adults who live nearby. “That was another goal of JACCC, to really support those senior citizens,” she said. “We will also be doing some outreach with those towers to make sure that they know about the benefits that are available to anyone.” Grissom said some of that programming with the center could include matching older adults with local students to do the shopping together. “We have some ideas and lofty goals that I think we’re going to be able to accomplish once we get settled and going,” she said.