Food Access LA: A Feast for Food Equity

As federal cuts threaten nutrition benefits, this short film follows the dollar from shopper to farmer to show what Market Match makes possible for Los Angeles families and the local farms that feed them.

Purpose

Food Access LA is a non-profit organization that aims to build sustainable food systems, ensuring everyone has equitable access to fresh, affordable, locally grown foods.

They were looking to create a short film for potential donors to better understand their mission and the impact of their donations across Los Angeles, conveying a compelling story that connects donors, farmers, and customers who rely on Calfresh EBT and Market Match funds.

The video would be shown at a series of farm-to-table dinners to donors and supporters, as well as across online platforms. This is an evergreen showcase of the impactful work Food Access LA is doing, with the goal of bringing more awareness, support, and funding to their crucial programs.

Services

Creative Direction

Cinematography

Video Production

Post-Production

Client

Food Access LA

Credits

Director & Producer: Margaret To

Cinematographer & Editor: Eldon Arena

2nd Camera Op: Jasper Oltman

Animation: Margaret To

Film Stills

We worked closely with the Food Access LA team in advance to plan a one-day shoot across two of their farmers' markets, Central Ave Farmers' Market and the LA River Farmers' Market. Before filming, we co-developed the concept and interview questions with their team, mapping out who we needed to hear from: shoppers who use Market Match, farmers who sell at the markets, and Food Access LA staff who run the program.

On filming day, we recorded twelve interviews alongside market b-roll, from farmers setting up before the market opens, to the fresh produce and genuine relationships that bring shoppers back week after week. In the edit, we built the story around the voices of the community, letting shoppers, farmers, and staff carry the message in their own words.

Impact

The film was created for Food Access LA’s community and helped kick off Perennial: A Feast for Food Equity, their inaugural seasonal urban farm dining series. Held at Little City Farm LA, the evening brought together food access leaders, farmers, and farmers market enthusiasts to support Food Access LA’s food equity incentive programs and help get fresh, local produce to the families who need it most, while strengthening the regional network of small and midsize farms that grow it. Support Food Access LA by donating or sharing their work: foodaccessla.org