How LA Went from Farming Powerhouse to Most Food Insecure Region
Photo courtesy of KCET-TV’s LA Foodways program.
When you think of Los Angeles (LA), you don’t often think of farming. But LA was the nation’s top farming area until the 1950s. Now the City of Angels is the nation’s second most populous metropolitan area and has the nation’s most food insecurity. What happened?
KCET has produced an eye-opening documentary and multi-media series called LA Foodways.
It provides a fascinating look at how farming actually encouraged a twentieth century real estate boom to Southern California. You’ll see eye-opening visuals of how quickly the region changed over the decades. And you’ll learn how advocates and urban gardeners are working to reduce food waste and feed those in need in the region. It’s a must see for anyone concerned about local foods, family farmers and food security.
One Hour North is Another Story
Farming may have left much of Southern California, but in Ventura County, agriculture is still an important industry sector. Just an hour north of LA, Ventura County farms are the eleventh most productive in the nation.
In my article for KCET, you’ll meet multi-generational growers who are farming the same land since the late-1800s. You’ll learn how this community is working to protect these farmlands from turning into housing developments. And you’ll see how you and your family can support these farms for generations to come.