Vouchers 4 Veggies in Los Angeles

More than 5 million senior citizens currently face hunger, or are considered food insecure, in our country and that number is expected to significantly increase over the next two decades as the baby boomer generation ages. Seniors face a number of unique medical and mobility challenges that put them at greater risk for food insecurity. Many are forced to make the tough choice between buying food, medicine, or paying their bills, and others struggle to access food without a reliable source of transportation or have nearby stores that sell healthy options. We are working hard to change this.

With generous support from the AARP Foundation, Vouchers 4 Veggies built upon its success in San Francisco by expanding to Los Angeles to test our program model in a new location, with a specific focus on alleviating hunger among seniors.

In the initial phase launched in February 2018, Vouchers 4 Veggies partnered with local community-based organizations and enrolled approximately 250 low-income seniors living in the MacArthur Park neighborhood into the 6-month voucher program. Participants receive $20-$40 each month (dependent on household size) in the form of fruit and vegetable vouchers redeemable at the following local stores.

Los Angeles Pilot Store Locations

1. Bellamar Market
2. Sam’s Corner Market
3. Carniceria La Oaxaqueña
4. Placita’s Market
5. Food 4 Less

LA Keck

The Keck School of Medicine Nutrition for Health and Longevity pilot, funded by a USC Good Neighbors Grant, is a 10-week nutrition education class that aims to equip participants with the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and resources necessary to make healthy choices when it comes to eating and taking care of their physical health. The focus is on increasing the access to nutrition education and healthy fruits and vegetables among low-income East Los Angeles participants. In this collaboration, Vouchers 4 Veggies will partner with Nutrition for Health and Longevity program. Participants are mailed $40 in vouchers for the month to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables redeemable at neighborhood grocery stores for a total of six months. 

LA Keck Locations

Food 4 Less
1748 West Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(Sun – Sat: 7am-12am)

Food 4 Less
2750 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(Sun – Sat: 7am-12am)

Los Angeles Locations

1. Bellamar Market
2607 West 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(6th St. and Rampart Blvd.)

2. Sam’s Corner Market
2001 West 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(6th St. and Westlake Ave.)

3. Carniceria La Oaxaqueña
2129 W 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(8th St. and Lake St.)

4. Placita’s Market
2880 W 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(7th St. and Magnolia Ave.)

5. Food 4 Less
1700 W 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(6th and Burlingame)

By supporting this often vulnerable population that faces unique challenges to healthy food access and affordability, we hope to provide a simple solution to improving the health and wellness of seniors.

For more information about Vouchers 4 Veggies in Los Angeles, please contact V4V staff at eatsf@ucsf.edu or 1-833-VEG4YOU.

Vegetables at a Market

EatSF in San Francisco

Child Holding Green Bell Pepper

Consultant Services for Voucher Programs

Woman Shopping at Farmers Market

Nutrition for Pregnant People

Is your organization or store
interested in partnering with EatSF?

Translate »