2018 DATA
Impact
In analyzing the potential impact of such an establishment on this particular location, we have to think about the future potential cultural, environmental, and health effects on the community.
CULTURE
“…[environmental justice] activism in cities seems to be at crossroads: as neighborhoods become revitalized, private investors start to value them again. After decades of disinvestment, municipalities are cleaning up dirty waterfronts and restoring parks; private developers are buying dilapidated buildings and transforming them into luxury condominiums with adjacent community gardens; and subsequently residents from higher economic backgrounds are moving in and enjoying new amenities such as parks and other green spaces. Neighborhood environmental transformation is slowly triggering the displacement of low-income residents and people of color. This process, generally studied through municipal sustainability planning and projects, illustrates what is now called ‘green gentrification’ or ‘ecological gentrification’ (Dooling, 2009; Checker, 2011; Gould and Lewis, 2012). Environmental gentrification trends complicate the task of environmental justice groups and the residents they support, with activists at risk of suffering a backlash manifested as co-optation of much of their long-term work towards more green, livable and sustainable neighborhoods (Checker, 2011).”
As referenced above, the modern look of Food For Thought coupled with it simply being a new establishment in a community which reveres its culture and identity, makes it important to recognize the potential gentrification that such a restaurant could contribute to. This is simply the difficult nature of trying to bring equal access and opportunity to underserved communities. The goal is to make the neighborhood a healthier place to live, yet this action contributes to the value of the neighborhood itself which drives up prices and potentially brings in outsiders.
Food For Thought recognizes that this is a valid concern with opening in underserved communities, but we seek to remedy this with lower prices, hiring from within the community, and partnering with local organizations and restaurants to give back and to consistently seek out the ever-changing needs of the community members. The goal is not to change the community and culture, but to simply bring more access to a healthy lifestyle so as to end the cycle of relentless struggles which are currently present in underserved communities without driving up prices.
ENVIRONMENT
While it is recognized that car and drive-thru culture can be considered a cause or contributor to some of the world’s environmental issues, Food For Thought has a drive-thru so as to fit into current demand from consumers. In LA especially, and even more so in the targeted community, life almost revolves around having a car. The idea that Food For Thought cannot be a drive-thru is unrealistic at the moment until neighborhoods are completely restructured and considered more walkable.
HEALTH
Research shows that neighborhoods with healthier options, meaning a lesser amount of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, have lower rates of obesity and diabetes. By placing Food For Thought in a neighborhood otherwise neglected by the health food industry, we are beginning a food revolution. There is absolutely no reason that leaders in the healthy food restaurant industry are not located in underserved communities, especially when consumer demand is there. Food For Thought would positively impact the health of underserved communities by providing not only a relatively low-cost food option but food that nourishes the body. Food For Thought’s mission is to provide healthy food for all because everyone should have equal opportunity to maximize their health. If the option is not available to them in the first place, how are they ever supposed to become their healthiest selves?
We believe that healthy food feeds the body, mind, and soul. When you eat food that positively impacts those things, you become your healthiest self. Food is meant to be revered and should be recognized as so. While traditional fast food may taste delicious, Food For Thought seeks to revolutionize the space and change the way people think about fast food so as to encourage the idea that a healthy lifestyle is accessible to anyone, not just those who live in a higher-income neighborhood.