EveryTable: Equality vs. Equity
By Sophia Pei ‘22
Everytable provides fresh, nutritious food at equitable prices for Los Angeles neighborhoods. Their unique business model fixes prices for their meals at different prices based on the average household income of the community. For example, an EveryTable location in West LA may sell bowls for $8 while the South LA location may have the same bowls for $5 to promote equity and provide food at an affordable cost in LA’s food deserts. Keep reading to learn more!
Why is there a difference in price for the same bowl in different places?
EveryTable’s goal is to ensure healthy food is an accessible option for all. The equitable business model is set in place to provide non-fast-food meals in LA’s food deserts. The cost of the average meal at Everytable is calculated based off the average household income in a neighborhood. For this reason, the Brentwood (West LA) location may sell the same meal for twice the cost as the South LA location.
A key note here is the distinction between equality and equity. Equality is simple, everyone gets the same thing. But it only works when everyone starts the same baseline. When you consider the simple fact that on average, the household income of South LA residents is half of USC’s tuition, we can see that the assumption that everyone starts from the same place is untrue. Equity on the other hand promotes fairness. It ensures everyone has equal access to a resource, in this case, a basic necessity: healthy food.
What determines the price of a meal?
The price of the meal varies based off the ingredients and the location you order from. The range of prices is calculated based off the average household income of the neighborhood. Everytable chefs try to minimize costs by using the same ingredients (kale mix, rice, etc) to various meals.
How has EveryTable responded to the pandemic?
Many EveryTable locations are currently closed. Traditionally, a grab and go type store, that aspect of has not changed. While previously there was limited seating available, now the open locations are for pickup only. Everytable’s meal delivery service has been ramped by 400% since the start of quarantine, providing over 100 new jobs.
Is EveryTable is non-profit?
“I learned nonprofits are set up to not scale and to always be in need of cash. I wanted to leverage economic power, but for people at the bottom of the pyramid.” - Sam Polk, Founder of Everytable and the non-profit, Groceryships
No. Everytable is a for-profit business.
Where can I find Everytable?
The South LA location is located just a few blocks north of campus. Despite closing many locations during this pandemic, the USC/South LA location is open and operating. Meals are for pickup only. There is limited outdoor seating across the street in a park across the street. If the nearest store to you is closed, try their subscription delivery service!
Favorite meal?
Of the meal I’ve tried my favorite is their spaghetti squash and meatballs. However, they have such a wide variety of grab and go food available ranging from salads to wraps.
Final Thoughts
Staying in LA? Try out EveryTable’s subscription service. It’s perfect for the college students as it delivers a variety of healthy, ready-to-go meals to the your doorstep. No grocery shopping or clean up required!By supporting EveryTable you’re supporting the provision of healthy, affordable food for your community.
Use code “trojans360″ so get $20 off your first meal delivery at everytable.com/subscribe!
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