Is the quality of meat and produce at South Central Los Angeles Ralphs Supermarkets sub par? An exploratory survey by: Monica Sheleay

My Personal Interest I live in South Central Los Angeles, across the street from a Ralphs market. I am a frequent shopper at Ralphs, at locations in South Central and West Los Angeles. (Olympic & Barrington) As a result, I have noticed a very BIG difference in the quality of produce and meat in the different locations.

Ralphs Market Survey Have you noticed that the quality of meat and produce found at Ralphs Markets is BETTER in West Los Angeles than in South Central Los Angeles?

Ralphs Mission Statement “Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services.”

But Does Ralphs Provide Quality Produce & Meats To All Their Customers?

South Central South Los Angeles is the official name for a large geographic and cultural portion lying to the southwest and southeast of downtown Los Angeles, CA. In the 2000 census, 55% of residents in the designated area of South L.A. were Latino, while 40% were African American and 5% other.

Map Of South Central

West Los Angeles West Los Angeles also known as the Westside comprises the Los Angeles city communities of Bel Air, Beverly Crest, Brentwood, Century City, Cheviot Hills, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Rancho Park, Sawtelle, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Beverly Hills. very affluent neighborhoods.

Interviewees (very passionate on the issue) Chris Mendoza- “The quality of food in West LA is considerably better than the food found in South LA.” Candelaria Broosseau- “Produce & meat are better quality in nicer areas than South Central LA.” Jeffrey Moore-”I know that they send the poor quality foods to South Central LA and it’s about that we complain.” Michelle Love- “I believe that because we live on the poorer side of town they feel that we don’t deserve the higher quality foods.”

Commentary Interviewing Blacks and Hispanics living in South Central LA, the response was overwhelmingly unanimous. It’s time for us to make some changes and complain. People questioned in this survey were willing to sign petitions and write letters to Ralphs corporate offices.

Commentary Where do we start? Ralphs is not the only market in our neighborhood with poor quality foods. There’s also Superior Markets, Food 4 Less, and Value Foods. Is it because we live on the poorer side of town? Is race a factor? …Who is to blame? Where do we start?