South L.A. Left With Few Options as Minimum Wage Hike Drives Up Fast Food Prices

Many fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Taco Bell are located in South L.A. where 40% of residents live in a food desert with limited access to affordable, healthy food.

Fast food prices are expected to rise 4-5% as chains offset increased labor costs from a new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers starting April 1st.

While some South L.A. residents plan to cut back on fast food due to higher prices, others say they won't change their buying habits since options are so limited.

Economists note the paradox that low-income South L.A. residents will now have to pay more for fast food due to the wage increase for workers.

With few supermarket options, South L.A.'s lack of food access may allow fast food chains to easily pass higher costs onto consumers.