LAFPC launches event series, LA Foodscapes: Conversations at the Intersection of Food, People, and the Land

PRESS RELEASE MAY 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) is set to launch an event series designed to catalyze transformative action within LA's diverse food ecosystem. Bringing together leaders and the community at the various intersections of food for thought-provoking discourses that emphasize equity, stewardship, and innovation.

The first event in the series, Food As Medicine: Generational Health Building, is set to launch at Moonwater Farm in Compton, CA on May 15 from 10am - 12pm. The convening will include Dr. Claudia Serrato (PhD), Indigenous Culinary Anthropologist; Dr. Cynthia Ambres (MD,MS), Physician Executive; Dipa Shah (MPH, RD), Director of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Program at LA Department of Public Health; Dr. Kayla de la Haye (PhD), Public Health Scientist and Advocate at USC’s Center for Economic and Social Research; and Lyssandra Guerra (NC), Holistic Nutritionist at . It will include a remedy recipe demonstration led by an indigenous community member using locally grown and accessible medicinal plants followed by a panel conversation.

The conversation aims to illuminate the goals and vision of the CalAim initiative, emphasizing how it relates to food and health equity by advocating for comprehensive, community-based approaches to healthcare. It will highlight innovative approaches for integrating local and indigenous practices into healthcare settings, offering practical, culturally resonant strategies that draw from traditional knowledge. This panel will foster dialogue on the crucial role of food as medicine in building generational health and resilience, providing attendees with actionable insights to tackle systemic issues in healthcare and nutrition. By bringing together healthcare professionals, community advocates, and policymakers, the event seeks to catalyze collaboration that will advance practical strategies to address food equity and improve health outcomes across Los Angeles.

“I’m very excited for this series launch that will bring together food equity experts, policymakers, practitioners, and community members throughout LA to talk about key issue areas within our food system,” said Alba Velasquez, Executive Director of The Los Angeles Food Policy Council.

LAFPC convened community stakeholders throughout LA county for the initiative’s goals and direction for each event to ensure many perspectives from community leaders are intentionally incorporated into each conversation. The advisory group included members from Angel City Advisors, Everytable, Food Access LA , Food Forward, Hunger Action LA , Inclusive Action for the City, Larta Institute, LA Can, LA County Chief Sustainability Office, LA County Department of Public Health, Michelson Philanthropy, Polos Pantry, Produce Ambassador, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders, and Vesta Food Service

ABOUT LA FOODSCAPES

Food As Medicine: Generational Health Building

Wednesday, May 15, 10am - 12pm

Investigate CalAim initiative and food-based strategies with healthcare with the LA Department of Public Health, medical visionaries, indigenous community, holistic nutritionists, and advocates for food equity. Join us for a remedy recipe demonstration followed by panel discussion exploring the various intersections of food as medicine from different perspectives. Registration is required.

Our Future Food Ecosystem and Climate

Wednesday, June 26, 10am - 12pm

Explore our food system’s role in combating climate change -- how we grow, produce, distribute, transport, consume, and waste. Join us for a panel discussion exploring actionable strategies for urban regenerative farming as a catalyst for achieving local food sovereignty with regenerative farmers, water use advocates, and environmental advocacy organizations. Registration is required.

Feeding Our Housing Insecure Angelenos

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 10am - 1pm

Learn more on food accessibility from formerly unhoused community members with lived experience. Join us for a presentation and panel conversation on the importance of food on the path to housing justice with key insights into what we might call “the unhoused food system,” outreach efforts and service provision. Registration is required.

Strengthening a Post Pandemic Food Economy

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Explore local city and county initiatives supporting good food businesses and actionable steps to enhance both healthy food accessibility and local economic vitality. Join us for a town hall panel discussion with food journalists, labor organizations, and small food business owners. Registration is required.

Food Tech for Good

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Investigate the interplay of tech in our food systems and it’s influence on production, distribution, sustainability, and consumer experiences. Join us for a panel discussion to explore tech initiatives from hospitality professionals to small business owners using technology to improve the food supply chain. Registration is required.

ABOUT LAFPC

Los Angeles Food Policy Council

The Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) works to ensure food is healthy, affordable, fair and sustainable for all. We believe Good Food for All is possible and that all communities deserve access to good food, grown in a way that respects people and the planet. We work to create a local food system free from hunger, rooted in equity and access, supportive of farmers and food workers, and guided by principles of environmental stewardship and regeneration. To accomplish our vision of Good Food for All, we catalyze, coordinate and connect people across the LA region, including government, business and community groups working on food.