One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
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.
With 1 in 10 Angelenos in Need of Food, City Council to Consider Food Surplus Policy Today
A reporter talks about American Idol as a man eats out of a garbage can in Hollywood | Photo by Jeff__ via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
A reporter talks about American Idol as a man eats out of a garbage can in Hollywood | Photo by Jeff__ via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
More than many other major cities, Los Angeles has year-round access to locally grown food, but it doesn't mean hunger is a problem. And in a city known for its large events and parties, a plethora of catering companies are out there serving food, yet are also throwing it away when all is said and done. One of those institutions at the receiving end is the city of Los Angeles, where leftover food at city functions might get wasted.
Today, Councilmember Jose Huizar hopes his proposal to set a citywide policy on food surplus is approved. If so, it will be a major step in creating a policy that would instruct departments and offices of elected officials to give away surplus food whenever possible. The L.A. Convention Center already has an established food surplus policy. A database of local food banks and pantries in need of donations would also be created to encourage residents and businesses to do the same.
Statewide, an estimated 5 to 6 million tons of food is wasted. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank earlier this year released a report finding that 10% of L.A. County residents were in need of food assistance in 2009. The number reflects a 46% jump since 2005.
At the state level, a food scraps bill by Long Beach Senator Jenny Oropeza would also encourage local businesses to donate food to non profits. It would also lead to the creation of a webpage that would centralize all the information about donating food under various laws, some which protect those who donate food from liability.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
