A South LA coffee shop became ‘a movement in every community,’ owner says

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Every Wednesday morning, at a coffee shop near the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Western Avenue, a line begins to form. 

People aren’t just coming to South LA Cafe for coffee, they come for the groceries that will ensure their respective households have enough food for the week.

The food giveaway at the cafe, co-founded by Joe Ward-Wallace, has become a weekly stop for hundreds of residents. What started as a coffee shop has grown into a community hub addressing food insecurity through consistent grocery distributions and local support.

Each week, South LA Cafe distributes 200 bags of groceries, many filled with fresh produce, meat and a mix of pantry goods. 

Most of the people in line are the elderly and families because the distribution happens mid-morning during the week.

“Usually a bag of groceries can feed a family of four for about a week,” Ward-Wallace said. “It gives them the essentials so they can survive … We hope for a lot of people.”

Volunteer Kiki Miller distributing strawberries into each bag of groceries.

(

Hawaii Utterbach

/

The LA Local

)

As of 2026, South LA Cafe has five locations across LA. It opened its fifth location on Vermont Avenue in October 2025. 

“It’s become more than a coffee shop. It’s become a movement in every community.” Ward-Wallace said.

That growth is supported by a system that depends heavily on volunteers. From packing bags to organizing supplies, the weekly food drive requires constant coordination.

 “Every bag has fresh produce in it… so it requires a huge volunteer network,” said Kiki Miller, a volunteer.  “People are constantly coming in to prep and pack bags.”

The need for that support continues to grow as many families struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. Rent, transportation and supporting a family can quickly add up, making food one of the hardest expenses to afford consistently. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices have risen by 3.1% overall during the last 12 months. Grocery prices increased by 2.4%, while dining out saw a 4.1% increase.

There is also a stigma attached to seeking food assistance. Some people feel like spaces like this are not meant for them, or they feel embarrassed to show up at all.

Ward-Wallace understands that feeling personally.

 “I used to be in those lines … and I was embarrassed,” he said. “If we’re going to have a community space, people are going to feel welcome. No one should feel bad for needing food.”

Co-founder of South LA Cafe, Joe Ward-Wallace, stands outside the cafe.

(

Hawaii Utterbach

/

The LA Local

)

That perspective shapes how South LA Cafe operates. The grocery program meets immediate needs, but it also prioritizes removing stigma around asking for help. 

“Why do they have to go somewhere else?” Ward-Wallace said. “We can do it right here in our own community.”

For volunteers, the impact is easy to see but meaningful.

“I might not be able to fix everything, but today I can come feed someone,” Miller said.

For more information on South LA Cafe’s Wednesday grocery giveaway, including how to receive groceries or volunteer, visit the cafe’s website. 

This story was produced under The LA Local’s Youth Journalism Program. To learn more or to get involved, click here.