In mid-2024, Alma Backyard Farms in Compton hosted an event that brought together nearly three dozen community-based organizations to address food insecurity in BIPOC communities. The gathering celebrated the allocation of $9.6 million in grants from the Los Angeles Food Equity Fund, managed by Community Partners, aimed at improving access to nutritious and affordable food in communities of color and "legal" immigrant populations.
BIPOC, an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, refers to communities that have historically faced marginalization.
The event at Alma Backyard Farms highlighted the collaborative efforts of these organizations in transforming the region's disconnected food system and improving resident food access. Alma Backyard Farms, a BIPOC-led urban farming enterprise, plays a significant role in this initiative by creating access to healthy food for underserved neighborhoods and employing formerly incarcerated individuals to grow and share food.
For more information on Alma Backyard Farms and their programs, you can visit their official website.
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These grants, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), are part of Los Angeles County's broader efforts to support post-pandemic recovery, with nearly $1.9 billion earmarked for such initiatives. The investments, guided by the Los Angeles Food Equity Roundtable's Action Plan, range from $100,000 to over $400,000 and support a wide array of food-related work conducted by local nonprofits.
Despite these efforts, food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Los Angeles County. A recent study by USC Dornsife indicates that 25% of households—approximately 832,000—continue to struggle with accessing sufficient food, with low-income and minority households disproportionately affected.
The grants and the collaborative work of organizations like Alma Backyard Farms are crucial steps toward building a more resilient and equitable food system in Los Angeles County. By supporting community-led solutions and addressing systemic inequities, these initiatives aim to alleviate food insecurity and promote health and well-being in the region's most vulnerable communities.
While a comprehensive list of all participating organizations at the mid-2024 event hosted by Alma Backyard Farms in Compton is not publicly available, several notable nonprofits were highlighted for their contributions to improving food access in BIPOC communities.
Here are some of these organizations:
Alma Backyard Farms, Compton, CA
An urban agriculture initiative that transforms vacant lots into productive farms, providing fresh produce and job training to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Street Company, Lancaster, CA
Focuses on feeding the homeless through innovative methods like indoor hydroponic farming.
Prosperity Market, Los Angeles, CA
A unique Black farmers market and commerce hub supporting Black food producers and chefs.
Special Service for Groups/Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement, Los Angeles, CA
APIFM supports BIPOC farmers by creating better markets for culturally relevant crops like cassava and taro.
These organizations are among the recipients of the Los Angeles County grants aimed at alleviating food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Their efforts contribute significantly to enhancing access to nutritious and affordable food in the region.
For more detailed information on the event and the participating organizations, you may refer to the following sources:
These articles provide additional context and details about the event and the initiatives supported by the grants.