Making LA: Market Makeovers

 

Since 2010, Public Matters has spearheaded the initiative Market Makeovers, high school student-led redesigns of neighborhood bodegas and grocery stores that focus on fresh, local foods and smart, active living. As part of our Making LA series, we'll take a peek at two of these recently redesigned markets. We'll meet up with Public Matters for a Super Snack Attack at two locations in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles: Ramirez Meat Market (3618 Folsom St, Los Angeles, CA 90063) and Euclid Market (545 Euclid Ave, Los Angeles, 90023). Join us to learn more about this innovative program and tour the revitalized markets with the high school students who made them a reality.

 

We'll gather at Ramirez Meat Market at 12:00 p.m. to build your own fruit kabobs and hear about that market's transformation, then we'll walk as a group to Euclid Market for a second tour and cooking demonstration starting at 2:00 p.m. It's about a 35-minute walk between locations. You're also welcome to drive or bike. Or take the Gold Line: From the Indiana Station it's a 20-minute walk to both locations.

 

Both markets will have specials on fruits and vegetables and we encourage attendees to support these fantastic local businesses by purchasing some healthy foods for their own homes!

 

Public Matters has been working on Market Makeovers in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights for four years now. Market Makeovers are a comprehensive strategy for transforming a corner store into a healthy  food resource for the community. The physical transformation of markets creates a more enjoyable shopping experience, while introducing fresh fruits and vegetables to the typical corner store inventory. Public Matters works with Community Liaisons (former students of East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy at Esteban Torres High School and Roosevelt High School) on the physical transformation of the markets, as well as on innovative social marketing campaigns which include storytelling, skits, flyering at community events and public speaking on the project.