The holiday season is here, which means it's time to start shopping! But the holidays don't mean you have to fight the frenzy at your local department or grocery store. There are many ways to keep your holiday gatherings, gifts and meals sustainable. Check out these ideas for how you can have a happy and green holiday!
Give the Gift of Local Food
Becca Montjoy, Communications Director
1. Stock Up on Local Food at SFC Farmers' Markets
November and December are months for large gatherings of family and friends around the holiday table. Avoid the long lines at the grocery store by visiting one of our SFC Farmers' Markets. We offer an enjoyable outdoor shopping experience, with a large selection of seasonal and sustainable food.
You can reserve an organic, pasture raised turkey from Belle Vie Farm and Kitchen, pick up other sustainable meat products from Smith and Smith Farm, Richardson Farm, and Peach Creek Farm.
Tecolote Farm and Johnson's Backyard Garden are always reliable sources for a wide variety produce, while Yard to Market Coop and Milagro Farms are your go-to sources for local eggs.
You can find many more local farmers every week at the SFC Farmers' Markets. Check one out today!
2. Buy Local Gifts at SFC Farmers' Markets
While our markets are great sources for your holiday meals, did you know we also offer a wide variety of artisans and prepared food products that are perfect for stocking stuffers or a gift box of local items?
Put together a box of local food for gift that is pure Austin. ATX Jerky will have a buy 4 get one free "stocking-stuffer" promotion through Christmas. Coco Puro has the perfect sweet treat for the holidays. Visit them for truffles, chocolate bars, Kakawa Cocoa Beans, and more. Everything is boxed and ready to give!
Belle Vie Farm and Kitchen offers French influenced charcuterie and seasonally influenced pastries, and Confituras has the perfect preserves for gifts that are seasonal and delicious! Austin Honey Company and Round Rock Honey also offer variety of local honeys and beeswax products.
Give locally made skincare and cosmetics. Stop by Lemon Tree Herbs to pick up a stress relieving elixir for that busy bee in your life. They have herb tinctures, elixirs, syrups, and vinegars. SoAP (South Austin People) has high quality, 100% natural, body care products, and “Byccombe Natural Solutions” from Springfield Farm also has a line of natural skin care products, goat milk soaps and natural beeswax balms. Hemp 360 has organic, raw and vegan skincare products that are great for people with sensitive skin.
Local handmade crafts and jewelry are always a hit! Our SFC Farmers' Market at Sunset Valley also features a vibrant artisan market with jewelry from Stone's Throw and Dream Bijoux. Will Heron Designs has many fun t-shirt and clothing creations with local Austin flare.
3. Give a Gift Certificate to the SFC Farmers' Markets, or an SFC Cooking or Gardening Class
Did you know we offer gift certificates for our programs? Visit our merchandise page to buy a gift certificate to use at our markets or for an upcoming cooking or gardening class. Better yet - take a class with a friend! What could be more fun than learning how to make a delicious meal with your significant other or good friend?
4. Donate in Someone's Honor
Tis the season for giving, and what better gift is there than the one that gives back? Honor that special someone in your life with a gift to Sustainable Food Center. To make a gift, visit our donate page and choose the box that says “Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift.” After you complete your gift, you will be able to send a special E-Card with a personal message to your honoree.
5. Host Your Holiday Gathering or Prep Your Holiday Meal at SFC!
Whether you are coordinating plans for a corporate event, an extra special night with friends and family, or just need an extra stove to prep your meal, check out our space.
Our fully functional commercial kitchen is perfect for self-catered holiday get-togethers, meetings, family gatherings and celebrations. When combined with the adjacent community room, our solar-powered, 4-star rated green energy space can accommodate up to 75 people.