In a significant move to preserve access to fresh, local food in Los Angeles, Sweetgreen has announced its commitment to supporting Food Access LA, formerly known as Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA). The non-profit organization operates eight farmers markets across the city, and with Sweetgreen’s backing, these markets will remain open through 2025, ensuring that a vital connection between local growers and the Los Angeles community is maintained.
The farmers markets, located in Atwater Village, Central Avenue, Compton College, Crenshaw, Echo Park, Hollywood, LA River, and Watts Willowbrook, attract over 10,000 visitors each week. For many, these markets are more than just a place to buy fresh produce—they’re a cornerstone for small-scale agriculture, food entrepreneurship, and food security in underserved neighborhoods.
Sustaining the Markets Through Sweetgreen’s Support
Sweetgreen’s financial contribution will enable Food Access LA to cover operational costs for the next two years, providing a lifeline to markets at risk of closure. This support not only sustains the markets but also bolsters small farmers, food entrepreneurs, and community health.
“We’re thrilled to keep our farmers markets up and running in 2025 with Sweetgreen’s support,” said Jennifer Grissom, Executive Director of Food Access LA. “Farmers markets are more than a place to buy fresh produce; they make it possible for farmers to earn up to four times more than they would through traditional grocery settings. These markets also serve as vital community spaces for holistic wellness. With Sweetgreen’s support, we’re proud to continue providing access to fresh food for our community.”
Farmers markets have long been an integral part of Sweetgreen’s ethos. The brand’s co-founders—Jonathan Neman, Nicolas Jammet, and Nathaniel Ru—spent their early days visiting the Dupont Circle Farmers Market in Washington, D.C., building direct relationships with local producers. These partnerships laid the foundation for Sweetgreen’s first menu and its ongoing mission to foster stronger connections between communities and fresh, accessible food.
Supporting Local Growers and Entrepreneurs
Sweetgreen has maintained its dedication to small-scale and regional agriculture throughout its expansion across the United States. One notable example is its 15-year partnership with Firefly Farms, a producer of goat cheese that began during Sweetgreen’s early days and has continued to thrive as the company grew. Today, Sweetgreen prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local and regional suppliers, ensuring that its menus reflect the best produce each community has to offer.
“Farmers markets have always been central to the Sweetgreen story, and for many communities, they’re the primary source of fresh food,” said Nicolas Jammet, Sweetgreen Co-founder and Chief Concept Officer. “We’re proud to work with Food Access LA to help keep these markets thriving and ensure they continue serving local communities in the year ahead.”
A Shared Mission: Connecting People to Real Food
Food Access LA’s mission aligns seamlessly with Sweetgreen’s values. For over 30 years, the organization has operated farmers markets and food equity programs across Los Angeles, helping to provide fresh, local food to historically underserved areas. Through partnerships with local farms, food banks, and community organizations, Food Access LA distributes culturally relevant produce and essential resources to families facing food insecurity.
Their programs serve over 10,000 individuals weekly and deliver more than 100,000 pounds of fresh food annually. By breaking down economic and social barriers to healthy eating, Food Access LA empowers residents with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Farmers Markets: A Lifeline for Communities
The farmers markets under Food Access LA’s management serve a dual purpose: they provide affordable, high-quality produce to consumers while offering farmers an equitable platform to sell their goods. Unlike traditional grocery supply chains, which often leave farmers with minimal profits, farmers markets allow small-scale growers to earn up to four times as much, creating a more sustainable livelihood.
Beyond economic benefits, these markets foster community engagement and wellness. From cooking demonstrations to nutrition education, they serve as gathering spaces where residents can learn about healthy eating and build relationships with the people who grow their food.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
With Sweetgreen’s support, Food Access LA can continue its vital work of ensuring that fresh, local food remains accessible to all Angelenos. Together, they are not only keeping farmers markets open but also creating a blueprint for sustainable food systems that prioritize people, health, and community over profit.
By preserving these markets, Sweetgreen and Food Access LA are demonstrating the power of partnerships in addressing food insecurity and supporting small-scale agriculture. As Grissom aptly put it, “Farmers markets are more than markets—they’re spaces where communities thrive.”
For Los Angeles, this collaboration represents hope for a healthier, more equitable food future.
