4th National Food Day celebrated early in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It was a food frenzy at Los Angeles City Hall Tuesday, where enthusiasts from all walks of life came to celebrate changes in the way we grow, buy and take care of our food.

This year's main message is to make a collective impact.

"We're not just talking about food that is tasty and healthy. We're also talking about food that is affordable and accessible," said Clare Fox, Director of Policy and Innovation for the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC).

The LAFPC and other organizations would like to see a system of diverse communities that coordinates efforts for a common goal. Urban agriculture, urban compost, street food, farmers markets and better pay for food workers are a few key areas.

L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price says one way to help is to support the small food entrepreneurs.

"Along with Councilman Huizar, I present the motion to legalize street vending in Los Angeles," said Price.

Councilmember Jose Huizar said, "It was brought to us by people who said, 'we have some of the best food on our streets in the world, but the police are chasing them.'"

Growers, composters, small markets and chefs were honored as "Good Food Champions" -- like Ron Finley of the Ron Finley Project, who wants everyone to get growing no matter where they live.

"I plant on my parkway in the street. Now the ordinance has been changed in L.A. where you can plant on your parkway. It was illegal. I got in a lot of trouble," said Finley.

His motto is to "change your food, change your life."

LAUSD board member Steve Zimmer reported that over 84 percent of our children live in conditions of poverty and over 60 percent of our children face conditions of food insecurity and hunger every day. Changes are needed.

World Food Day is October 24th, and was created by the watchdog group the Center for the Science in the Public Interest, but L.A. celebrated it early.

Now four years running, it seems to be making a difference. There are over 1,000 organizations nationwide giving it a go.