community
A Food Community UCLA Inspires and Creates
The Rothman Food Institute is just one part of the robust food community cultivated by UCLA. Students, faculty, staff and the greater Los Angeles area enjoy a variety of opportunities to connect over the food that unites us all.
campus partners
UCLA Food Landscape
We are part of the rich food landscape at UCLA that’s advancing important food-based initiatives. Our work would be impossible without our UCLA food partners.
los angeles & beyond
Local and Global Food Communities
At the Rothman Food Institute, we work to elevate the impact of food communities beyond our campus.
Food Networks in LA and Beyond
FOOD ACCESS LA
Food Access LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equitable access to fresh foods in Los Angeles County. Their mission is to foster a healthy and resilient local food system while creating a more equitable and sustainable community. Food Access LA achieves its mission through five key programs: Food Access LA’s Farmers’ Markets, Benefits and Incentives, Nutrition and Cooking Programs, Urban Agriculture Advocacy, and Seasoned Accelerator. These programs support Food Access LA’s mission of connecting fresh, locally-produced food and nutrition education to the residents of Los Angeles.
Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund
The Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund provides month-long paid apprenticeships for young adults to live on sustainable farms — to work, learn and be inspired to create change in their communities. Their farms range from urban to rural and produce cheese, beef, poultry, fruit and vegetables that sustain surrounding communities. They serve as a gathering place, a food source, an opportunity for continued education and a connection to agriculture. The aim of the ASLF apprenticeship is a cultural shift towards slow, quality agriculture as more young adults learn about the ingredients that feed us from sustainable-minded farmers, who are some of the most important teachers in the world.
The Hollywood Food Coalition
The Hollywood Food Coalition Community Dinner has served hot, high-quality meals seven nights a week, since 1987, without ever missing a night. The Coalition emphasizes nutritionally complete, restaurant-like meals, as well as the importance of choice, which the first step in building trust with dinner guests. Sustainability is integral, with most food rescued by our Exchange Program. In 2022, we served over 85,000 meals.
The consistency builds trust with guests, allowing coalition members to meet other health needs through the Community Wellness program. In 2022, over 15,000 items, including blankets, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, clothing, and more were distributed. The coalition also collaborates with other nonprofits to provide on-site medical care, housing navigation, and other essential services.
