This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The idea of eradicating food deserts — areas where there is little access to healthful foods — has become a hot button issue as of late. Activists like Ron Finley have led the charge to turn these nutrient-barren areas into "food forests" by planting now-legal gardens on public parkways. And celebs like Ben Affleck have tried to generate awareness around this issue too, by attempting to Live Below The Line, dining on only $1.50 per day.
In these areas, fast and convenient food is typically more readily available and consumed, making them the target of scrutiny, particularly if the area is urban, for policy about food access. South L.A. is a big one here in California, with plenty more around the U.S. (You can check out a map of the country's food deserts here.)
A Sustainable Kitchen is launching a series of "chef walkabouts" to help fight against local food deserts. Each event will feature a local chef guiding participants through various L.A. farmers markets, and the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit a specific effort to help fight local food deserts.
For their first event this Saturday, Chef Ari Taymor, whose Downtown restaurant Alma was just named Bon Appetit as 2013's Best New Restaurant in America, will be guiding guests around the Hollywood Farmers Market. The proceeds will go to the Lincoln Heights Community Garden Build, one of 25 school projects taking place on USGBC's Green Apple Day Of Service on September 28.
Space is limited to 12 guests, and early registration is suggested. You can find out more information and purchase the $65 tickets here.
