HEALTHY OPTIONS IN FOOD DESERT
EWDD provides Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC), which spearheads the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network (HNMN). The program improves the healthy food offerings in Los Angeles by transforming corner markets and liquor stores into a convenient and healthy food retail option for residents.
One such establishment is Mimi Market, which has been operating as a family-owned business in the San Fernando Valley for the past eleven years. Store owner Pedro Alcarez (pictured above, center) raised his family in the predominantly Latino area. Since the opening of the market, Pedro has worked alongside his two sons, including Pedro Alcarez Jr. (pictured above, right). In 2018, he brought his daughter Christina Alcarez (above left) in to manage the business. Store regulars expressed an interest in purchasing fresh produce at the market. The family hopes to offer culturally appropriate and relevant produce and grocery items for the community, which is located in a food desert.
“This neighborhood has few resources for fresh produce and groceries, and not too long ago we also saw the loss of the only major grocery store in the neighborhood. It’s important to us that Mimi Market can provide healthy and affordable food to a population that wants and needs these resources,” Christina said.
Mimi Market is located in LA City Council District 7 at 12923 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, CA 91342.
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