In Los Angeles, food insecurity, or the inability to reliably afford or access sufficient quantities of healthy foods, affects hundreds of thousands of low-income households in the County. Low-income populations are affected by food deserts in the urban areas of southern Los Angeles County and the rural areas of northern Los Angeles. In these areas, there are alarmingly high rates of diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In Compton for example, 40% of those 18 and over are considered obese or morbidly obese.

Further, participating in outdoor activities, sports, or physical activity is an important factor for good health, family cohesion, and a sense of community.  In some areas of Los Angeles, it is challenging to be physically active due to a lack of, or unsafe, spaces for recreation, both indoor and outdoor. For example, in Compton, there are 0.61 acres (per 1,000 population) available for recreational space compared to 8.10 acres in Los Angeles County or 53.32 in the best performing city or community (Los Angeles County City and Community Health Profiles). According to Los Angeles County’s Health Survey (2015) only 32% of adults 18 and older meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity.

We help promote physical activity and healthy eating behaviors by working with existing organizations to build capacity & improve access to playgrounds, walking trails, public parks, community gardens, farmers markets, and other community assets that can support healthy choices.