PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: INFORMAL FOOD ECONOMIES IN MEXICAN AND LATINX L.A.

L.A. KITCHEN This discussion starts with the early 20th century in Los Angeles, a time when Mexicans and their food traditions were targets of discrimination, when the Americanization of the Mexican palate was enforced by official agencies. One avenue of the assimilation project focused on eliminating the tradition and power that parteras — midwives — had in passing on nutritional advice. The panel will explore this history in contrast with resistance to assimilation, as well as the “Latino health paradox,” which indicates that traditional, indigenous and Latinx foodways result in better health outcomes than the standard American diet. The panel will then explore the resurgence of traditional Mexican/Latinx foods and midwifery. WHERE: 230 W Ave 26, Los Angeles WHEN: Thursday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. COST: $15