How Süpmarkt Is Fighting Food Deserts in South Los Angeles

A new health food emporium in Los Angeles is tackling food insecurity in a neighbourhood long classified as a food desert. Süpmarkt, founded by Olympia Auset, opened its first permanent storefront this year after starting as a street pop-up in 2016. The nonprofit grocery offers fresh, organic produce and vegan products while supporting Black culture and community wellness.

Auset's journey began 16 years ago when she struggled to find nutritious food in her South L.A. neighbourhood. As a vegan relying on federal food aid, she often faced a two-hour bus commute just to buy affordable, healthy groceries. Her time at Howard University deepened her understanding of food policy and urban farming, inspiring her to take action.

In 2016, Auset launched Süpmarkt with just £300, selling produce at pop-ups in Leimert Park and other areas. Residents expressed gratitude for the fresh options, which were scarce in their community. Despite challenges—including scepticism from distributors and bureaucratic hurdles as a young Black entrepreneur—she persisted, growing the business through community crowdfunding. Today, Süpmarkt not only provides organic food but also hosts workshops in its learning garden. The store offers discounts to customers on food assistance and has matched 125 donors with shoppers through the SNAP Back program during federal aid delays. These efforts come as Los Angeles weather faces stark disparities: 25% of residents lack consistent food security, and 29% struggle to access nutritious meals, with Black and Latino communities hit hardest—often at two or three times the rate of white residents.

Süpmarkt now stands as a permanent solution in a neighbourhood once overlooked by grocers. Auset's model combines affordability, education, and cultural pride to address systemic food gaps. The store's growth reflects both community support and the urgent need for equitable access to healthy food in Los Angeles.