VILLAGE EATING IS A SIMPLE INDIGENOUS SOLUTION TO THRIVING HUMAN AND CLIMATE HEALTH

VILLAGE EATING is inspired by the vibrant “village” heritage of Los Angeles’ rich multicultural community. Since 2023, this community gathered at CultivaLA, LA’s largest non-profit farm. Situated on the historic Shegaanga Village, now surrounded by urban sprawl, this site serves as the hub of LA’s urban agricultural movement.

Maria Heng, Community Innovator

By: Addison Chi

Village Eating was born from a simple lunch with Maria that turned into a vision for something much bigger. I went to her place for a meeting, and as we shared a meal, she introduced me to a sauce called Ssamjang. I drizzled it over cucumbers, and the flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted—rich, savory, and completely unexpected. I was hooked. I immediately asked for the recipe, and that sparked an idea: what if I could share these kinds of flavors—rich, cultural, and healthy—with others? What if I could take recipes from diverse cultures, reimagine them with healthier ingredients, and bring farm-fresh produce to people’s tables?

Maria turned this idea into reality. Her expertise, passion, and unwavering belief in the project made what started as a dream into a tangible mission. Together, we began curating recipes from different cultures, modifying them to be healthier while still preserving their authentic flavors. Our partnership with Cultiva LA farm in South El Monte allowed us to source fresh, locally grown vegetables that people could use to create these dishes in their own kitchens.Now, with the help of the entire ROOTeen group, we are committed to bringing healthy, sustainable eating to communities. Every recipe we share is a step toward creating a culture of wellness—one where fresh, local produce and diverse culinary traditions come together to nourish bodies and souls alike. Village Eating connects people to their heritage and community while fostering a healthier future through the power of food.