Toss It Up Express

Food insecurity and access to basic needs

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Toss It Up is dedicated to combating the issue of food deserts, in South Los Angeles where access to healthy, nutritious food is severely limited. We provide the community with 11 types of affordable prepackaged salads and 2 fruit-infused teas. By improving the availability of fresh produce and wholesome food options, Toss It Up seeks to enhance community health. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make healthier dietary choices. Ultimately, our goal is to create a more equitable food system for all.

Currently Toss It Up sells its products at local Farmer’s Markets, neighborhood pop-ups and through its online ordering platform. Toss It Up plans on expanding its reach through its upcoming location, Toss It Up Express. Toss It Up Express will be located in South Los Angeles, CA. Toss It Up Express will allow individuals to walk-in and have the option of grab n’ go salads and will be able to try a build your own salad option. Toss It Up will continue to offer online ordering and have the option of pickup or delivery. The location is strategically near Inglewood, CA to draw business from a neighboring food desert with limited healthy options.

If our work at Toss It Up is successful, Los Angeles County will experience significant positive changes. Food deserts will diminish as more communities gain access to healthy, nutritious food options. Residents will enjoy improved health outcomes due to better dietary choices, reducing the prevalence of diet-related illnesses. We will also be able to develop programs for the youth to educate them on healthy eating and choosing better food options. Additionally, this project will bring youth economic advancement to the community with job development. Overall, the county will see a more equitable food system, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.

To measure our success and growth, Toss It Up utilizes the Clover POS and Wave accounting system which we are able to measure how many events we are servicing and individuals we are reaching weekly. Along with data from previous events and venues, we provided about 160-200 salads monthly to the Neighborhood Grill at the Natural History Museum, participated in the Emergency Senior Meal program through the City of Los Angeles and provided salads to other city entities and non-profits.. Additionally, we reach individuals weekly through Farmer's Market selling up to 50 salads every Saturday, school and local community events which ranges from 100 to 300 salads per event which we expect to expand to more Farmer's Market throughout the city we tend to grow which further expanding our impact. By having this data, it helps Toss It Up track our progress and demonstrate our ability to meet the growing demand for healthy food options in the community.