UCLA

Food insecurity, defined as an uncertain or limited ability to get adequate food due to lack of financial resources, is a persistent issue in the City of Los Angeles. Traditional food assistance programs are underutilized and inadequate, and some populations who experience food insecurity have been overlooked in survey efforts. The work presented here investigates two emerging topics in food insecurity: food insecurity among college students and the potential for urban agriculture to address food insecurity in Los Angeles.

First, focus group interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 82 college students at the University of California, Los Angeles to explore student experiences, perceptions, and concerns related to food insecurity. We found that food insecurity is an invisible issue on campus that carries stigma, and the cost of attendance is a challenge for many students. Students who experienced food insecurity reported negative academic impacts, mental and physical health consequences, and disaffection from the university. In general, students wanted a greater awareness around food insecurity and food resources, and opportunities to learn life skills including cooking and budgeting.

Second, a geospatial analysis was conducted to assess the extent of urban agriculture (UA) in the City of Los Angeles and theoretical vegetable production was calculated for city vacant land. While UA could not meet the need for the entire population, it could theoretically meet the need of the food insecure population. UA is unevenly distributed across the city. High need areas of the city do appear to be alleviated by the presence of UA sites, but generally have less vacant land for future UA sites. A recent tax incentive program may help increase the number of UA sites in the city.

Third, current UA policy and planning was reviewed in the City of Los Angeles including a document analysis of three recent city plans. In general, Los Angeles is behind other cities in its support of UA, but has made substantial progress in recent years. Key recommendations include updating zoning, implementing a public land leasing program, subsidizing water rates, creating a city-wide UA network, and collecting additional UA data.