Fresh produce and staples available in Fairoaks Burger parking lot, site of new weekly community service available for people impacted by wildfires and others experiencing food insecurity
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 5, 2025) – In response to rising food insecurity among people and families affected by the recent California wildfires, Food for Health, a program of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), is proud to announce the launch of a free weekly Community Farmers’ Market in Altadena, California. This initiative provides vital support to those struggling to afford healthy, nutritious food in one of the most expensive cities in the country, especially for those now facing housing and financial challenges following the devastating Eaton Wildfire.
The farmers’ market will provide free fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the farm, along with other healthy staples, and serve as many as 300 people weekly. AHF’s Out of the Closet will also be on site for the next few weeks, distributing free clothing donated for those affected by the fires. Ten racks of clothing, with approximately 700 to 800 items for both men and women, will be available.
What: GRAND OPENING of Food for Health’s weekly free Community Farmers’ Market at Fairoaks Burger in Altadena
When: Friday, March 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: 2560 Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Who: Janet & Christy Lee, owners and operators of Fairoaks Burger
Carlos Marroquin, National Director, Food for Health
David Eads, CEO, of Tournament of Roses
Others TBD
And in a gracious show of community solidarity, Janet and Christy Lee, owners of Altadena’s popular longtime family-owned Fairoaks Burger, are allowing Food for Health and Out of the Closet to host the free farmers’ market in the restaurant parking lot. The heavily damaged eatery survived the fire but needs significant remediation. The sisters’ parents, who first owned Fairoaks Burger, also lost their nearby home to the fire.
“When the Eaton and Palisades Fires first broke out, AHF’s Food for Health program was there the very next day, providing free hot meals to evacuees at the Pasadena Convention Center and to first responders on the front lines in the Palisades,” said Carlos Marroquin, National Director for Food for Health Programs. “Over several weeks, Food for Health provided more than 75,000 free hot meals to individuals affected by or fighting the fires, including 60,000 hot meals to evacuees at the Convention Center. Now, as things have settled somewhat, there remains a tremendous need for food security among those displaced and those who may have lost their jobs. Our new Community Farmers’ Market aims to help meet this growing need by supporting hundreds of those still struggling throughout our communities.”
“Fairoaks Burger is woman-owned and has been integrally woven into the fabric of the Altadena community since our parents took over the restaurant almost 40 years ago,” said sisters Janet and Christy Lee. “Our customers are our friends and neighbors who have all been impacted by the fires. They think of our parents as their family members. We aim to return that care and affection by remaining a pillar of the community during this long and arduous rebuilding process, with the end goal of preserving the uniquely diverse character of Altadena. Hosting a farmers’ market for our friends and neighbors is one small step of reclaiming normalcy from loss.”
AHF was also among those first on the scene at the Pasadena Convention Center following the Eaton Fire with free clothing from its Out of the Closet thrift store chain as well as 400 new blankets and 400 new pillows purchased specifically for fire evacuees. Out of the Closet will be onsite during the farmers’ market to continue distributing some donated clothing free to those affected by the fires.
Food for Health’s free weekly Community Farmers’ Market will launch Friday, March 7th and then take place every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Last year, Food for Health launched Heroes’ Pantries in San Diego and Los Angeles, which provide fresh produce and groceries to veterans and their families. Each pantry now serves approximately 200 families weekly. Studies have shown that food insecurity among veterans is linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes, including an increased risk of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. Addressing these food needs is critical for improving veterans’ health and well-being.
###
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Friday, March 7, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carlos Marroquin, National Director, AHF Food for Health Programs
(323) 592-4663
Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, AHF Communications
(323) 791-5526
