Hunger Action Los Angeles

Description

ANTI HUNGER EDUCATION AND ORGANIZING: HALA equips low income people, nonprofit organizations and other concerned Los Angeles County residents with the information and skills needed to advocate for effective anti-hunger legislation. In conjunction with the California Hunger Action Committee, HALA organizes Hunger Action Day in Sacramento, an event which brings 400 low income residents to the Capitol to passionately speak about their life experiences and encourage legislators to support policies that helps all Californians, including child nutrition, access to CalFresh benefits, and a fair state budget. HALA educates hundreds of participants in their own communities on legislation and community engagement.

MARKET MATCH BONUS PROGRAMS: Market Match makes fresh food affordable by doubling the purchasing power of individuals and families on government administered voucher or cash aid programs -CalFresh /Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Social Security and Women, Infants & Children (WIC)- at participating farmers’ markets. Eligible individuals receive $1 bonus coupons to match up to $10 of their own money or benefits. For example, an individual on SSI or SSDI can exchange $10 cash for 20 Market Match vouchers, enabling them to purchase $20 worth of produce. Vouchers can only be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables on the same day recipients receive it. The program has served over 3,000 residents and operates at 16 farmers markets in Los Angeles County.

PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO WELFARE, HEALTH AND OTHER SERVICES: In its 35 th print edition, the People’s Guide is the definitive social services booklet for professionals in the field, people in need of help, as well as those who simply want to assist their loved ones and neighbors. The 72 page guide provides up-to-date details on available government resources, how to obtain them, plus the rights and responsibilities of recipients in these programs. HALA took over publication in 2012 and prints the People’s Guides in English and Spanish.

FOOD JUSTICE NEWS/MEDIA: HALA utilizes multiple traditional and new media channels to highlight our mission and programs. To All Those Interested in Food and Justice, a weekly e-newsletter that delves into issues of hunger, food security, and the overall food system, reaches over 1000 subscribers. Our programs and events have received coverage by the Los Angeles Times, KPFK and other local media outlets.

OUR ALLIES: HALA collaborates with California Food Policy Advocates, Community Health Councils, Community Services Unlimited, LA Regional Food Bank, LA Community Action Network, Food Forward, Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles, the Healthy Grocery Store Alliance, the LA Food Policy Council, SOVA Jewish Food Pantry, Project Chicken Soup, Healthy School Food Coalition, TELACU, WORKS, and numerous other organizations, promoting and supporting each others’ work and issues.