Providing South L.A. with fresh, affordable and healthy food is one of the key goals of South LA Cafe, but that’s only a part of its overall mission. Owned by Celia and Joe-Ward Wallace, the coffee shop serves as a community events space and free grocery distribution hub. As of late, South LA Cafe has also served as a site for free Covid testing and boosters. For the casual walk-in customer, you’ll find delicious pastries and a selection of hot and cold caffeinated drinks, but South LA Cafe’s extended community involvement more than reflects the fact that coffee shops aren’t solely just places to work and grab some java.