Howard University graduate Olympia Auset is combating food deserts in South Los Angeles, CA.
Auset launched SÜPRMRKT, a grocery store that began as a pop-up and subscription service in the area, Forbes reports. Its inception was the result of her reaching a breaking point when traveling over two hours by bus to find affordable organics grocery products that would adhere to her vegan diet. At the time, South L.A. had 1.3 million residents and only 60 grocery stores, classifying it as a food desert.
In 2016, SÜPRMRKT launched as a pop-up in Leimert Park with community support, according to its website. Four years later, Auset purchased land that would become SÜPRMARKT’s first brick-and-mortar location thanks to assistance from partners Open Architecture Collaborative Los Angeles and Engineers Without Borders.
The grocery store prides itself in selling 100% organic foods that are sourced from local businesses. It has already provided over 200,000 pounds of grocery products to the community.
All in all, Auset hopes her efforts will help to end food apartheid by 2040.
“The LA we love, the cultural beacon it’s known as today, was built by people who worked hard to create their own spaces,” Auset said at the ESSENCE Hollywood House event. “The reason I do what I do is because it’s essential. We can’t achieve any of the changes I want for my community without being in good health and having access to affordable, organic food. Without places where we can gather, heal, and support each other, none of the other goals will be possible. It starts with taking care of ourselves and building those spaces together.”
SÜPRMRKT has also gained support from notable names such as SZA. The “Good Days” artist partnered with the grocery store for a Caesar salad with 20% of proceeds going back to the store’s efforts.
