More Food Choice In South LA

SoLA Co-Op popping up at Crenshaw Farmers' Market.

Not too long ago, national efforts were being undertaken to provide access to nutritious foods in areas that lacked that access to the point that they were known as food deserts. Although the national effort died on the vine as soon as the present administration came into power, local efforts continue and are growing.

In South Los Angeles, there were sections of the city in which you would be hard put to find a grocery store, while fast food outlets could be found on just about any corner. The situation was so bleak that there was only one grocery store for every 22,000 in South LA, compared to the one grocery store per 11,000 residents in West LA. In this one section, South LA, residents had to travel five to seven miles if they wanted to include natural foods in their diets and that also contributed to a drain of retail business from the local economy.

At this point, a group of individuals from South LA got together and started SOLA FOOD CO-OP, which is developing a natural food grocery store owned by members of the community. Now, there would be organic groceries, prepared foods, juices, tonics, and organic coffee, all within reasonable traveling distance. Because it is owned by members of the community, this grocery store serves its community owners and it can have those services that members of the community desire.

Bahni Turpin, president and board member, discussed the concept, "[W]e know that our community wants and needs this and deserves to have the same choices in food buying that other areas have. The plan was not just to offer healthier food choices but also provide the community with education about a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Outreach would promote healthier lifestyles through classes, special events, and workshops.

Bring your own jar and you can score some bulk grains or rice.

SoLA Co-op is now an ubiquitous presence in its community, participating in farmers' markets, operating food pop-ups and promoting participation with social media notices, recruiting volunteers for their street teams, and having small social meet-ups. At all of their events, they continue to add memberships. It all adds up to healthier eating in South LA - and don't forget, the community does own the co-op, growing their number of stakeholders every day.

Bahni Turpin next to a sign about why to join SoLA Co-op.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/sola-food-co-op/; this article on the Co-Op site: http://www.solafoodcoop.com/about/; and the above link.

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