About 200 bags of masa - a key ingredient in making tamales - were given away for free at an Amapola market in Whittier Wednesday morning.
KNX News’ Margaret Carrero spoke to Sandra, who went to the event.
“The prices of masa are very expensive, so it means a lot,” she said. “It's just a little extra help. And if we can make some extra tamales for other people, I'll just pass them out.”
It’s a tradition in her family to make tamales every year. The preparation takes a few days because you have to soak and clean out the husks. Sandra said her family puts on Christmas carols and spends the time talking. Her sister usually prepared the chicken and pork.
“My mother’s the mastermind because she tells us what to do if we’re not doing it correctly,” she said. “And then there's always a runner to go get us food because we get hungry after a couple of hours.”
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn had partnered with the market to host the giveaway. The free masa bags also included corn husks and dried chilis.
“Many people are still struggling and are hurting and maybe this meant the difference between them actually getting to make tamales or not,” she said.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok