Free Tamales for Protestors: Here Are Five Businesses Supporting the LAUSD Strike By Offering Special Deals and Free Food

Over 30,000 workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 99, have officially begun their three-day strike this morning. Despite the torrential rain, teachers, students, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants, and others from around Los Angeles School District marched outside their campuses holding signs that read: “We Keep Schools Safe Respect Us,” “Fighting for Clean, Safe, and Supportive Schools” and others held memes with Rihana’s face that read “District Better Have My Money.”

In support of educators and all LAUSD employees, businesses around L.A. are offering their support via food. Some set up shop outside local campuses, while others are offering educators and students discounts while they strike. We rounded up a growing list of businesses standing in solidarity with educators. If you know of other businesses supporting the three-day LAUSD strike, let us know in the comments or email tips@lataco.com to include.

LA MASITA FINA

La Masita Fina specializes in tamales, and they were out bright and early this morning, supporting those striking by offering them their famous smoked brisket tamales and champurrado. The owner Cristina Torres wanted to support her colleagues because she is an LAUSD substitute teacher and used to work as a Special Education paraprofessional working with high school students at Carson High School. So, she rolled out her Revolution Carts carrito and decided to fuel educators with the different variety of tamales she offers, like shredded chicken in salsa verde, pork in mole rojo, and more. 

SONORA BAKERY

Local LAUSD high school teacher Ms. Huerta who joined the strike shared on her Instagram that Sonora Bakery set up shop outside Garfield High School, offering staff warm coffee, pan dulce, and other pastries from their bakery, along with other snacks. 

BACHI YAKI 

It’s important to note that many of these local businesses also have students that are part of LAUSD, so many are doing their part to support their local educators. Like Bachi Yaki, which posted on Instagram: “We Stand With School Workers, For Our Students, For Our Community, For our Future.” They said rain or shine, they stand in solidarity and support of essential workers of LAUSD and are offering all LAUSD employees 15% off their hibachi menu and a free drink for the rest of March. 

Bachi Yaki located at the Corners of 3rd Street and Boylston Street 

HOJAS TEA HOUSE AND CAFE

Also showing their support for those striking is Hojas Tea House and Cafe, located both in Wilmington and San Pedro. They posted on Instagram today: 

“LAUSD STAFF, We stand in solidarity with SEIU Local 99 and UTLA who are on #lausdstrike. It’s time to support those who support our kids.”

Before opening Hojas Tea House and Cafe, the owner used to be a Special Education assistant for about eight years in LAUSD. Her union was also SEIU, and it was those very colleagues who have supported her business since day one. She told L.A. TACO: "I strongly believe in the opportunity all LAUSD employees have to make a great impact on students' life," she continued. "I respect the work all employees do and believe their salary should match that same respect."

Because of this, her business offers LAUSD employees that come in and show their work badge a complimentary eight oz. coffee or tea of the day.  Their offer will stand only while supplies last and for the remainder of the strike and only at their Wilmington & San Pedro locations. 

Multiple locations 

SOUTH LA CAFE

South L.A. Cafe also offers 20% off for students and staff who are striking for the next three days. They posted a photo on Instagram stating: “

“We STAND with our LAUSD union family, especially the service workers of Local 99. 💪🏾💪🏿💪🏽”

The deal applies to both their Western & Kaiser locations.

WOODS DELI

Woods Deli is also doing its part and is giving away on a first come first serve bases boxes filled with 10 deli sandwiches to any and all LAUSD staff and those striking for the remainder of the strike. It is recommended to call the Deli beforehand to make sure they still have deli boxes available.

K and M Coffee Roasters

K and M Coffee Roasters is showing its support on social media saying: "For all those striking- we see you, we support you!" Their business is offering free 12 oz. coffee to LAUSD staff and members of SEIU, they are also offering their location as a resting place for those marching outside in the cold. The offer runs through Thursday.

LEMON POPPY KITCHEN

Similar to other businesses Lemon Poppy Kitchen posted on their Instagram stories that for the remainder of the strike, they too will be offering coffee, saying: "Striking teachers and allies than you!."

L.A. TACO will update this list as it learns about more businesses offering support.