From seed to table, SFC creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. Through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, children and adults have increased access to locally grown food and are empowered to improve the long-term health of Central Texans and our environment.
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| 1975 |
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Austin Community Gardens (ACG) is founded as a project of the YWCA. |
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| 1987 |
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Austin Community Gardens becomes an independent non-profit organization. |
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| 1993 |
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Sustainable Food Center is founded. |
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| 1994 |
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National Center for Appropriate Technology grants SFC the award for Significant Achievement in the Field of Sustainable Agriculture. |
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| 1995 |
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The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre program is named East Austin's "Best Social Service Program" by the Austin Chronicle. SFC also won this award in 1996 and 1997.
SFC initiates a study entitled Access Denied. The study shows that low-income residents do not have East Austin access to fresh, healthy food. |
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| 1997 |
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National Awards for Environmental Sustainability Council presents SFC a Certificate of Environmental Achievement. SFC was presented this award again in 1998. |
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| 1998 |
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Diabetes Council and the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department grant SFC the Community Nutrition Promotion Award for excellence in diabetes prevention. |
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| 2001 |
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Receive the United East Austin Coalition's "Raza Award" for Outstanding Health and Human Services and "reminding us to eat our vegetables".
SFC merges with Austin Community Gardens - Since AGC and SFC worked together frequently and had compatible missions, they merged to strengthen programs, integrate talents and consolidate administrations. |
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| 2003 |
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Launch of Austin Farmers' Market in Republic Square Park.
Receive "Organization Impact Award" for Opening New Doors by the Downtown Austin Alliance.
The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ is trademarked and begins training partner organizations to deliver classes. |
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| 2004 |
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Opening of Austin Farmers' Market "pocket" market at Plaza Saltillo as pilot project.
Austin Farmers' Market receives the "Urban Light Award" from Downtown Austin Neighborhood Alliance. |
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| 2005 |
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Launch of a Farm to Cafeteria pilot project delivering fresh, locally-grown produce to cafeterias in the network of Seton hospitals.
Launch of mid-week, evening Austin Farmers' Market at Plaza Saltillo |
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| 2006 |
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SFC begins a Farm to School food systems education project, Sprouting Healthy Kids, designed to bring fresh produce from local farmers into Austin-area low-income middle schools and teach children about new foods and healthy eating behaviors through gardening projects and nutrition education programs.
The successful Farm to Cafeteria project expands to the University of Texas and St. Stephens School.
The mid-week Austin Farmers' Market opens on Wednesday mornings at Whole Foods Market downtown.
In May 2006 the Wednesday market moved to Triangle Park at 4600 Guadalupe, where it operates year-round, rain or shine. |
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| 2007 |
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Austin Farmers' Market awarded "Best Place to Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" by Austin American-Statesman Austin360.com "A-List".
Austin Farmers' Market voted into "Ten Best Farmers' Markets in the Country" by Green Living Online.
Farm to Work program launches, bringing fresh, local produce to governmental and corporate employees via weekly delivery to worksites. |
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| 2008 |
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SFC named "Local Hero" by Edible Austin Magazine readers in nonprofit category.
Austin Farmers' Market awarded "10Best Bet 2008" by 10BEST.COM for "Best Reason to Go Green".
Farm to Work achieves $100,000 milestone of earned income for participating local farmers in first six months.
The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ begins offering cooking classes tailored specifically for breast cancer survivors with participation from community partners.
Austin Farmers' Market earns the distinction of being the largest certified growers-only farmers' market in the state of Texas. |