Mission
THE MISSION OF L.A. KITCHEN IS TO RECLAIM HEALTHY, LOCAL FOOD THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO TO WASTE, AND USE IT TO EMPOWER, NOURISH, AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY. L.A. KITCHEN OPERATES THREE PROGRAMS TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL. EMPOWER L.A. IS A 15-WEEK INTERGENERATIONAL CULINARY JOB-TRAINING PROGRAM THAT EMPOWERS EMANCIPATED FOSTER YOUTH AND OLDER ADULTS TRANSITIONING OUT OF INCARCERATION TO THRIVE IN CAREERS IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY. IMPACT L.A. WORKS DIRECTLY WITH LOCAL FARMERS AND WHOLESALE COMPANIES TO COLLECT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAT ARE COSMETICALLY UNSALABLE, RECRUITS THOUSANDS OF ANGELINOS TO TRANSFORM THESE RAW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES INTO NUTRITIOUS MEALS AND SNACKS AND DISTRIBUTES THE FOOD PRODUCTS TO SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES THAT SERVE LOS ANGELES' LOW-INCOME AND AGING POPULATIONS. IN ADDITION, STRONG FOOD, A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE BUSINESS, HIRES GRADUATES OF EMPOWER L.A. AND USES PURCHASED FOODS TO CREATE HEALTHY MEALS AND PRODUCTS FOR CONTRACTS, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SALES.