South L.A. Faces Fast-Food Price Hikes Amid Wage Increase, David Smith Provides Insights in the LA Times

As South Los Angeles braces for a minimum wage hike, fast-food chains on Crenshaw Boulevard are set to raise prices, exacerbating the area's long-standing food accessibility issues. 

Pepperdine Graziadio faculty member and economist, David Smith, expressed concern over the impact on low-income consumers in the LA Times, stating, “It will potentially put consumers in areas of higher financial risk at an even greater risk for unexpected financial emergencies.” 

With many residents already living in food deserts and relying on fast food for daily nutrition, the looming price increases present a paradox, where those benefiting from the wage increase may be disproportionately burdened by higher food costs. As chains gear up for price adjustments, the community faces mounting challenges in accessing affordable, healthy options amidst a landscape dominated by fast-food franchises.

Read the full article.