Los Angeles, California is estimated to have one of the highest seafood consumption rates in the United States, yet local California seafood is particularly difficult to access.
In 2021, a partnership was formed between local aquaculture producers (Holdfast Aquaculture, Santa Barbara Mariculture), researchers, USC Sea Grant, and the non-profit community organization, Community Services Unlimited, to pilot a regional seafood distribution framework (i.e., Seafood Hub) which expands sustainably grown aquaculture products to new food markets in Los Angeles.
To build on the momentum of the successful pilot program, the Seafood Hub held a “South Central Los Angeles Sustainable Seafood Fest” in November 2023 at Community Services Unlimited Inc.’s Village Market Place Community Food Hub. This event brought together over 160 attendees and provided an interactive and delicious celebration of sustainable seafood featuring local chefs, local bivalve and seaweed producers, and activities for kids. A feedback survey demonstrated the Festival’s strong impacts on future intended purchasing behavior as well as improved confidence in handling and consuming seafood.
In this talk, we will discuss our impactful approach to consumer education as well as reflect on overall successes and learnings from this unique outreach event.