Each guide is based on SFC’s programmatic practices, developed over 40 years of organizational experience. The guides include detailed how-to information for community-based, local food-systems programs, including gardening, farm marketing, and healthy cooking programs described below:
Grow Local
SFC’s Grow Local program offers the resources and education to enable children and adults in central Texas to develop skills in food production and organic gardening as well as an understanding of the importance of local food production for the health and well-being of themselves, their families and community, and the environment.
Farm Direct
Sustainable Food Center’s Farm Direct program links farmers with customers through a variety of marketing outlets, including farmers’ markets, institutional sales, and individuals at their places of work. This guide is intended for organizations interested in creating links between farmers and customers and includes three sections – Farm to Cafeteria institutional sales, specific information about Farm to School efforts; and our award-winning Farm to Work worksite wellness programming.
COOKING AND NUTRITION EDUCATION START GUIDE
The Cooking and Nutrition Education Start Guide is based on Sustainable Food Center’s The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® Program, which provides classes to disadvantages communities and/or communities at risk for chronic disease. The classes are taught by peer-trained Facilitators, in community locations and emphasize healthy cooking with easily accessible and economical fresh foods.
SPROUTING HEALTHY KIDS
Sustainable Food Center’s Sprouting Healthy Kids Farm-to-School and Food Systems Education project includes elements of all our programming, with particular elements of Grow Local and Farm Direct. The project focuses on the incorporation of local foods in the school cafeteria, school-based promotions and outreach, and school gardens as an educational tool. Both Grow Local and Farm Direct manuals are included in the Sprouting Healthy Kids package (see above for additional information).