Access to healthy food is an important issue in urban Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County is home to more than 9.7 million residents (the largest county population in the nation) with a high poverty rate and increasing hunger and food insecurity. At the same time, Los Angeles consumers have a growing appetite for fresh, locally grown produce. Urban residents, policy makers and leaders of community institutions are looking for ways to improve the availability of healthy food through local and regional food production. These new methods include urban agriculture (backyard, school and community gardens and small urban farms) and activities that link farmers with consumers (farmers markets, community supported agriculture and farm-to-school programs).
Related Links: Agriculture, Common Ground Garden Program, Community Gardens, School Gardens and Vegetable Gardening
The Food Systems program in Los Angeles County will focus on strengthening the regional food infrastructure to support equitable production, distribution, processing and consumption of locally produced foods that are healthy and culturally relevant.
The Food Systems Advisor will provide research and programming support for urban and small-to-mid-scale farmers; food systems organizations and agencies; and residents of Los Angeles County (because everyone eats!).
About the Advisor
Li Schmidt brings a diverse range of experiences to the role, including being a small-scale grower and founder of a plant nursery. Her nursery is proud to produce culturally relevant foods for local communities that are part of the Asian diasphora.
Prior to joining UC Cooperative Extension, Schmidt worked as a research-based podcaster and storyteller, covering food and agriculture issues in California. As a farmer and community educator, she created culturally responsive garden and farm workshops and her curriculum was tailored for young and beginner growers. She also organized and advocated for underserved farmers and ranchers on a statewide level.
Contact Information
Li Schmidt, MS
Food Systems Advisor
700 W. Main Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
lschmidt@ucanr.edu