South Central Los Angeles is undergoing a transformation, driven by passionate advocates who are redefining the relationship between food and community. This narrative delves into the lives of individuals like Imani Cohen and Olympia Auset, who are spearheading this movement with innovative initiatives that prioritize health and sustainability.
A Movement to Reclaim Health and Vitality
The Canvas of Conscious Cuisine
For Imani Cohen, preparing meals is an art form where vibrant colors and diverse textures come together on her plate. Each Saturday, she visits local farmers' markets, seeking out fresh, colorful produce to nourish both body and soul. Her commitment to quality ingredients reflects a deeper connection to self-love and empowerment. Cohen believes that food can be a powerful tool for spiritual and emotional growth, offering control over one’s life and autonomy.Growing up in South Central LA, Cohen’s exposure to exotic vegetables was limited. The neighborhood lacked access to farm-to-table experiences, shaping her perspective on food security. Today, she advocates for intentional eating habits that promote overall well-being. Cohen’s journey has inspired others to embrace healthier lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of diet in maintaining productivity and reducing stress.Breaking Barriers: SÜPRMARKT’s Impact
In 2020, Olympia Auset launched SÜPRMARKT, a pop-up grocery store in Leimert Park, addressing the pressing issue of food deserts in South Central LA. By July 2024, it had evolved into a permanent vegan oasis, becoming the first of its kind in the area. Auset’s mission was clear: provide residents with easy access to fresh, organic produce without having to travel miles.The scarcity of grocery stores within Crenshaw’s six-mile radius frustrated Auset. She envisioned a space where locals could find high-quality fruits and vegetables without venturing into distant neighborhoods. SÜPRMARKT occupies a cozy, 1,908 sq ft home on West Slauson Avenue, offering a tranquil shopping experience with Bob Marley tunes filling the air. Inside, patrons discover a well-stocked selection of fresh produce, including ripe mangoes, onions, yams, chard, and dairy alternatives. The open kitchen serves clean, nutritious meals like the signature “Everyday People” salad, cornbread, cabbage, and vegan gumbo.Auset faced significant challenges securing vegan processed foods due to systemic barriers and discrimination. One distributor even laughed at the idea of vegan ice cream on Slauson, citing safety concerns. Despite these obstacles, Auset remained determined to raise awareness about food injustice and improve access for underserved communities. Nearly one in five Angelenos, or roughly 2 million people, suffer from food insecurity, according to the USDA. Auset views this as a critical issue that demands immediate attention.Fighting Food Insecurity with Community Efforts
Residents in the Crenshaw district often rely on fast food, liquor stores, or vendors for sustenance due to limited access to fresh ingredients. Studies from USC highlight the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits in areas like West Adams, Windsor Hills-View Park, and Baldwin Hills. Auset focuses on food injustice, believing it’s a solvable problem that impacts countless lives.Cohen, known as the "Hood Healer," encourages locals to prioritize their health by adopting diets rich in whole, natural foods. She promotes the Crenshaw Farmers Market, operated by Food Access LA, which brings regional farmers and artisan vendors to South Central LA. These markets offer a wide range of local produce, sprouts, breads, nuts, baked goods, and prepared meals. Monthly events feature cooking demonstrations, tastings, and activities for children, fostering a sense of community around sustainable food systems.Empowering Through Education and Action
Darin Diggs, founder of Imani Gardens, shares a similar vision. Originally from Fullerton, he noticed stark differences in food accessibility when he moved to South Central LA. Determined to make a difference, Diggs lost 65 lbs by adapting his diet to include more natural, wholesome foods. His belief that nature and humanity are interconnected drives his mission to educate others about the benefits of healthy eating.Imani Gardens hosts pop-ups throughout Los Angeles, providing seeded fruit and sometimes delivery services. Diggs emphasizes the importance of making healthy food options readily available, so residents don’t have to spend hours searching for them. For Auset, quality food means keeping people alive and preventing unnecessary loss. Statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent real lives that deserve better.READ MORE