New Farm Box County Program to Support South L.A. Poor, Idled Farmers

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas announced today the launch of a Farm Box program designed to supply free fresh fruit and vegetables to 1,100 families experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship in South Los Angeles.

Ridley-Thomas is acting in partnership with Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai, UNITE HERE Local 11, Los Angeles Football Club, Banc of California Stadium and Exposition Park, according to a statement.

“During this pandemic, families are facing unprecedented financial distress. This partnership is meant to ease the burdens of families across South Los Angeles, providing them with healthy food options that they can cook at home,” said Ridley-Thomas “In turn, local farmers have the chance to distribute their produce and keep their businesses afloat. It's a win-win for all.”

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and “Safer at Home” order, farmers' markets have closed down across the county. The new program allows networks of regional farmers to create “farm boxes” of healthy food. The boxes include a week's worth of fresh seasonal produce, including a dozen eggs, 5-7 varieties of vegetables, 10 pounds of oranges, plenty of berries and information about local public nutrition benefit and incentive programs, according to the statement.

The goal is to feed around 1,100 families weekly, every Wednesday, for the next four weeks, it said.


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