Tenderloin Tastes

We have been lucky to have a great group of enthusiastic, hard-working interns at SAF this summer, whose dedication to their different projects will leave a lasting impact on our organization. One such intern, Theresa Martin, is finishing up her project this week on a guide to food options in the Tenderloin. To pull together her guide, called ‘Tenderloin Tastes,’ Theresa walked the TL, visiting local establishments and interviewing business owners on the food offerings they have on hand. She visited more than 60 food establishments in the Tenderloin while working on her project, including 46 in one day.

Theresa mapped out the Tenderloin by street, and categorized the food options located on each street as either a ‘Market’ or a ‘Restaurant.’ For each market, she listed average prices for staple items, such as cereal, bread, milk and eggs. For restaurants, she included the type of food served, typical prices for entrees, whether or not the restaurant accepts credit/debit, and if they offer take out and delivery. She also attached menus of different restaurants in the back of her guide.

The inspiration for compiling ‘Tenderloin Tastes’ came out of working with guests living in the Madonna Residence, a facility for low-income senior women in the neighborhood. Women of the Madonna center will soon have small kitchenettes installed in their units, and need to know food options that are nearby and accessible so that they can prepare simple food in their own apartments. “Getting to know the women in the Madonna center has made (the project) a lot more personal,” Theresa said.

As one might suspect, the Tenderloin is home to an abundance of businesses selling food within just a few short blocks, but these businesses tend to fall into one of two camps: convenience/liquor stores, or small family-owned sit-down restaurants. Not one of the more than 60 offerings Theresa documented is an actual grocery store. “It’s a problem that there’s not a lot of healthy food that can be quickly prepared” in the Tenderloin, she said.

Theresa has done more than put together a comprehensive collection of food resources for guests who live in the Tenderloin, she’s also conducted a survey confirming the fact that the Tenderloin remains a food desert for its residents. Hopefully the ‘Tenderloin Tastes’ guide will help guests better understand their food options in the neighborhood, and also incite change to make those options healthier, more plentiful, and more affordable.

Great work, Theresa!