About SFC
Mission
Located in Austin, Texas and founded in 1993, with roots dating back to 1975 as Austin Community Gardens, Sustainable Food Center is involved in every step of our local, Central Texas, food system. SFC's mission is to cultivate a just and regenerative food system so that people and the environment can thrive.
We envision a future where Central Texas is among the most sustainable, equitable food systems in the nation. Here, regenerative farms have all the support they need to produce and sell their products to a community where high-demand for their food exists.
People are able to grow and purchase local, healthy food at affordable prices, and they have the knowledge needed to prepare it into nutritious, culturally-relevant meals. State and local policies actively support communities of growers and consumers, and a region-wide network of agencies has catalyzed this change.
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.
Want to learn more?
Read our latest Annual Report to see how SFC makes an impact in the community »
Programs and Departments
Grow Local
Provides food gardening resources and support.
Grow Local empowers children and adults to grow their own food by offering the education and resources they need to start and sustain gardens at schools, homes, and areas accessible to neighborhood residents.
Through Spread the Harvest we offer year-round free gardening resources to qualifying participants.
Our Teaching Garden, is available to the general public to tour. Our community food gardening classes are offered for free at partner host sites. We also offer free trainings for teachers through our Garden Leadership Training held twice a year.
Farm Direct
Supports local farmers and connects them to you.
Farm Direct supports local growers and connects them with sales outlets through weekly SFC Farmers’ Markets.
Currently, we host two of the largest weekly farmers' markets in the state of Texas, and hosts more local farmers than anywhere else in Austin!
Both SFC Farmers’ Markets are producer-only, which means that farmers may only sell what they grow, and other vendors can only sell products that they themselves produce. This is our assurance to our customers that they are supporting local farmers and are purchasing the best food for themselves and their families.
The Happy Kitchen
Provides healthy cooking and nutrition classes to all Central Texas residents.
The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® is a nationally recognized cooking and nutrition education program that nurtures skills in food selection and preparation. We offer free 6-week community cooking and nutrition education classes taught by peer facilitators in communities facing health disparities.
We also offer affordable cooking classes available to the general public that teach fundamental skills as well as specialty cuisine, and private group cooking classes and team-building experiences for groups.
Double Up Food Bucks
Strives to make healthy, local food affordable for all.
Double Up Food Bucks doubles the dollar amount of Lone Star (SNAP), WIC and FMNP Vouchers. This way, families can get more fruits and vegetables at SFC Farmers’ Markets and partner sites.