When people think of Los Angeles, the first thing that comes to mind is either the beautiful weather or the Hollywood scene. But what most people don't think about is the food scene here. Since L.A. is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, there's equally tasty pots of food to be eaten. Problem is, in certain places in L.A., usually low-income neighborhoods, it's really hard to find quick food that's isn't fast food.

Where I live, in South L.A., it's really hard to eat something quick that doesn't come deep-fried in a throwaway container. Sometimes, on my way home from school, I want to eat something healthy. Most kids in my neighborhood settle for fast-food because it's cheap, and it's all that's available. Statistics show that although the percentage of Americans as a whole that eat fast food has risen by about eight percent, but young people represent the bulk of the increase with their twice-weekly visits to fast food chains. I wish my friends and I had access to more local and healthy food. To my surprise, I recently discovered a place in downtown L.A. that a lot of people don't know about: Grand Central Market. It's right in the center of downtown, a short bus ride from my neighborhood.

If you want to experience food from all over the world, and get some of the freshest fruit, all at prices that won’t leave you hurting, Grand Central Market is one of the best places in L.A. to eat. Not only is the food cheap, but the center acts a local hub for people looking to meet with families, friends and co-workers and grab a bite to eat. The only downside is that the Market closes around 5 p.m. I went around lunchtime to whet my appetite by checking out the sights and smells of the market.
 

Grand Central provides a  healthy alternative to the large fast food chains that seem to fuel the busy people of Los Angeles County. Often people don't have time to sit down and actually get something to eat because of their tight schedules, so they have no choice but to grab some fast food. Thanks to the low prices and central location of GCM, the market may one day change many Angelenos' eating habits.

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