Although Texas is the second largest agricultural state in the nation, it surpasses all other states in prime farmland loss. The Blackland Prairie in rapidly developing Central Texas is one of the top 10 most threatened agricultural areas in the country. 19 Central Texas counties are facing more farmland loss than anywhere else in the country. Locally-grown fruits and vegetables are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals; however, only 11% of food available in Central Texas is grown locally. Most vegetables and fruits purchased in Central Texas travel an average of 1,500 miles, spending up to 3 weeks in transition from harvest to table, losing valuable nutrients along the way.

Through farmers' markets, farm stands, a farm to institution project, and training and technical assistance, SFC's Farm Marketing program creates expanded marketing opportunities for farmers, involves farmers in the local economy, and offers nourishing food choices for Central Texans. The rising popularity of farmers' markets and increased awareness of the benefits of buying local are spurring consumers to connect with local farmers.

Farmers Market Food Stamp Initiative

SFC has established a system to accept Food Stamp benefits at its Austin Farmers' Market location.  To view the Farmers' Market Food Stamp Initiative press release (in pdf), click here.

Farm to Institution

In 2005, SFC's Farm Marketing program launched a pilot project to deliver fresh farm produce directly to the cafeterias of a premier hospital network in Austin. Currently, one farmer, who also sells produce at the downtown Austin Farmers' Market, delivers farm fresh produce to four different locations in the Seton Network, with Seton then using the produce in its cafeterias. University of Texas is our newest partner in the project and serves local foods in three of their dining facilities.

Through this project, the farmer increases his income from farming, customers eat nutritious foods, and chefs at these institutions increase their understanding of the economic, environmental, and social importance of local food while trying new methods of cooking.

Austin CarShare

Austin CarShare is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate the public about carsharing and the costs of car ownership while helping to improve our community by reducing traffic, improving air quality, promoting sustainable economic development, increasing the number of transportation options, and improving the quality of life in Austin by providing access to vehicles without the cost of ownership.

Sustainable Food Center is proud to partner with Austin CarShare and encourages others to find out more about their valuable work by visiting them each Saturday morning at the Austin Farmers' Market or online at: http://www.austincarshare.org/index.php

Austin CarShare generously shares with SFC a portion of new membership fees from members who are referred through this web site or through SFC programs.