Food Systems – Sustainable Food Center

Beefed Up Prices

Anna-Kay Reeves — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:30:37 +0000

Food Access & Rancher Livelihood in Texas

In Texas, beef is more than an ingredient, it’s a livelihood – with 12 million head of beef cattle in Texas, the Lonestar state is the biggest producer of beef in the US. So why are Texans struggling to afford beef and what does the price of beef mean for Texas ranchers?

Higher Beef Production Costs

As the domestic (in the US) cattle herd reaches a 75-year low, supply scarcity is one driver of high beef prices. But since the 1950’s, ranchers have become more efficient and can produce more beef with fewer cows. A larger driver of high beef prices is higher costs to cattle raisers. For the past five years, drought conditions in beef-producing states like Texas, Nebraska, and California have diminished grass available for cattle to graze. Healthy and abundant grass on grazing land is essential to ranchers as a no to low-cost feed.

With diminished grass available, ranchers have to purchase more feed to sustain their herds, and that cost is passed to the consumer. Higher input costs also result in more heifers (female cows) being sold for beef in order to recoup input costs, resulting in fewer calves in the herd and driving long term supply disruption.

Short-term measures necessary to turn a profit from beef drive long-term beef supply scarcity.

Another factor driving inflated food prices generally is the global nature of modern food systems. In beef for example, ground beef is often a blend of both domestic and imported meat. Global conflicts in oil-producing regions over the last five years have increased fuel costs, driving up food transportation prices. Similar to the issue of ranchers trying to break even from higher feed costs, when meat distributors pay more for transportation, that cost is also passed to the consumer in order for the distributor to continue making a profit.

Animal Lifecycles in the Marketplace

Clyde Sommerlatte, owner of the Luling, Texas-based 2 Bar C Ranch, emphasizes the lifecycle of cattle as a reason beef supply and prices are slow to regulate after a setback in production like drought. “From the time a calf hits the ground, you’re looking at around [two years] to harvest beef from an individual animal,” Sommerlatte said. “And the breeding, from insemination to pregnancy, is around another year before that. Overall, ranchers are thinking and working three years in advance.”

In Texas, the return of the New World Screwworm (NWS) has also triggered restrictions on herd movement, additional inspections, and restrictions on cattle trade with Mexico to prevent the spread of NWS. These measures are necessary but disruptive for affected ranchers, and coming on the heels of years of drought and decline in the number of cattle, they make supply recovery and rancher profitability an even greater challenge.

Short Vs. Long Term

For consumers, persistent beef price inflation has resulted in a higher cost to eating out and sticker shock at the grocery store. In SFC’s The Happy Kitchen cooking and nutrition class, course facilitator Joyce Harris shared, “We have a joke in my family that we can give the dish the essence of meat. We can use meat as a condiment rather than the main attraction and that helps stretch what we buy.”

So when can shoppers expect to see beef prices fall? In late August 2026, the Trump administration waived import tax on beef intended to drive down beef prices by increasing supply. This move opened the door for 300,000 metric tons of beef from Argentina to enter the American market.

This move has been received positively by some as a means of reducing price pressure on beef, though some US ranchers worry the suspension of tariffs for imported beef will make it harder for US beef producers to turn a profit.

“We have a joke in my family that we can give the dish the ‘essence of meat’. We can use meat as a condiment rather than the main attraction and that helps stretch what we buy.”

Joyce Harris

The Happy Kitchen Facilitator

In light of persistent heat and drought conditions that are likely to continue to affect grass availability, efficiency-based solutions are an important piece of the beef production puzzle in years to come. Veteran ranchers like Sommerlatte emphasize that beef production and prices are cyclical and the market will regulate with time. As Sommerlatte says, “You have to take care of the animals. You have to take care of the land, and if you do that long-term the land will be here to take care of you.”

You can shop 2 Bar C’s selection of beef and other local food producers at SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown on Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM.

Growing Community Leadership Through Houston THK/LCA Graduation

Michelle Segura — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:03:43 +0000

Sixteen participants complete third six-week nutrition education cohort in Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Sustainable Food Center (SFC) marked a milestone on August 20 with the graduation of the third Houston cohort of The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre (THK/LCA), continuing the program’s expansion beyond Central Texas. Sixteen participants completed six weeks of hands-on cooking and nutrition education through virtual classes before gathering in person for their final class and graduation celebration, where they shared a meal, received certificates, and took home cooking kits.

Since launching in Houston in February 2026 as a free, peer-led, bilingual class series, THK/LCA has been led by trained facilitators from Sustainable Food Center’s established Central Texas program. Many of these facilitators are THK/LCA graduates and traveled to Houston to help launch the city’s first cohorts. With three cohorts now complete, a growing number of participants are positioned to become local facilitators, helping expand THK/LCA’s reach across Houston.

Houston’s expansion has been supported by a network of 24 Spanish-speaking, 8 bilingual, and 11 English-speaking THK/LCA facilitators. Organizers plan to train additional graduates as facilitators, further expanding the network and building a sustainable model that will allow THK/LCA to reach more communities across Houston.

The graduates’ experiences illustrate the program’s reach. Dolores, who joined through Cities for Better Health Houston, brought her sister, granddaughters, and friends from her church into the class alongside her.

"We got involved through Cities for Better Health Houston. I invited my sister, my granddaughters, and a couple of people from church to join us, and we've really enjoyed all the classes," Dolores said. "I'm looking forward to using some of the menus, getting my cookbook organized for the holidays, and maybe even growing some plants."

Another graduate, Gloria Jackson, said meeting the program’s facilitators in person for the first time at graduation, after six weeks of virtual classes, added a new dimension to the experience.

"It was one thing to participate in Zoom, but being face-to-face with the people who created the recipes, prepared the food, and showed us the process was amazing," Gloria said. "I'm not someone who usually cooks, but they give you options for making better choices with the food you eat. I've learned that information is power."

A third participant, Chef Nettie, viewed the class through a generational lens, seeing it as an opportunity to help younger children in her community build a healthier relationship with food before habits take hold.

"It's very educational, and I believe it's something we need in our community, especially to teach our children how to eat healthier so they can grow up healthier and stay healthy throughout their lives," Chef Nettie said. "The entire program and educational experience are excellent and very much needed today."

Community partners echoed that sense of urgency. Dr. Maricela Cáceres, Program Manager for Cities for Better Health Houston, described THK/LCA as a unique and much-needed resource in the local nutrition education landscape.

"We're incredibly excited about this program! "Its comprehensive 6 weeks adult education model fills a unique gap that standard nutrition programs don't address", Dr. Cáceres said. "The Cities for Better Health Houston Faith Health Leadership cohort found a very valuable resource in The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre, and we're grateful to the Seventh-day Adventist Church for connecting us with Sustainable Food Center. We look forward to continuing to promote the program and helping expand its reach across Houston”

That community-led approach gives the program its lasting impact, building a growing network of facilitators and community advocates who can carry THK/LCA forward in their own neighborhoods while expanding access to nutrition education across Houston.

Help us spread these stories. For media requests and inquiries, email msegura@sustainablefoodcenter.org

Sustainable Food Center Celebrates First Houston Graduation of The Happy Kitchen

Michelle Segura — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:03:43 +0000

SFC's nutrition education program marks a milestone in its first expansion beyond Central Texas

HOUSTON, Texas — Sustainable Food Center (SFC) celebrated the graduation of the first Houston cohort of The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre (THK/LCA), marking a milestone in the nutrition education program’s first expansion beyond Central Texas. At an event in Central Houston, 16 participants received certificates after completing the inaugural six-week class series. Graduates marked the occasion with a shared meal featuring a recipe they prepared together during their final class.

"In the very first class, I realized that this was exactly what I needed. I was an immigrant adapting to a different culture and wanted to feed my young child in a healthy way."

Claudia Peña, THK Facilitator

SFC launched THK/LCA in Houston in April. The free nutrition education program teaches participants how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals using local and seasonal ingredients. Offered in both English and Spanish, THK/LCA uses a peer-facilitated model. Instructors are hired from the communities they serve, and many are former graduates themselves.

According to a 2025 report from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research analyzing a 2024 survey of Houston and Harris County residents, 39% of households experienced moderate or high food insecurity, compared with 14% nationally. Rates were highest among Black (53%) and Hispanic (47%) residents and among households earning less than $35,000 annually (59%).

“Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with more than 145 languages spoken and a food culture that reflects cuisines from around the world,” said Vanessa Beltran, SFC Education Director. “By establishing a presence in Houston, we’re creating a training hub that will help us support new replication partners throughout the region.”

For Beltran, the mission behind THK/LCA is personal. Her own path to the program began as a college sophomore in Austin, when she enrolled in a class and prepared her first recipe, a smoky quinoa black bean salad.

"It combined the two things I loved: serving people and cooking," Beltran said. "It was a moment when something clicked."

Vanessa Beltran, SFC Education Director

The Houston expansion builds on nearly three decades of experience in Central Texas, where THK/LCA began in Austin. Peña has led classes there since taking her first course in 1999.

“Simply put, this program is part of our family’s life,” Peña said. Reflecting on her years of community cooking experience, Peña said the exchange with participants goes both ways. “Talking with people from so many different countries, I learn from them,” Peña said. “They say, ‘You’re the teacher,’ but I say, ‘I’m learning.'” As the program grows in Houston, Peña and other experienced facilitators are helping train a new generation of local instructors.

Help us spread these stories. For media requests and inquiries, email msegura@sustainablefoodcenter.org

August: National Breastfeeding Month

Anna-Kay Reeves — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:03:43 +0000

Who can breastfeed?

When kids learn about different types of animals, one key fact they hear again and again is that mammal species produce milk to feed their babies. In fact, the word mammal comes from the Latin “mamma”, meaning breast, in reference to species with mammary glands to nurse their babies.

Fun fact: all mammals have mammary glands, no matter their gender! Hormonal differences determine whether the mammary gland becomes a breast that can lactate (produce milk) or not.

In humans, breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey that is influenced by many factors. Some mothers and parents need to use formula instead of or in addition to breastfeeding due to work hours or functional changes in their breasts. But for parents who choose to breastfeed, it’s helpful to understand how what you eat, drink, and do influences you and your baby’s breastfeeding experience.

Food Access & Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to eat around 300-400 more calories a day than their caloric intake before pregnancy. How much more a person should eat during breastfeeding varies person to person and is something a nutritionist or WIC Lactation Specialist can help determine.

Breastmilk is made of 88% water, making hydration essential while breastfeeding, and the remaining 12% of breastmilk is made up of proteins, carbohydrates, fats. As a baby develops, the composition of breastmilk changes to support their unique health needs. This seemingly magical ability of breastmilk to change its composition happens naturally through information exchanged by the baby and mother’s bodies during the close contact of breastfeeding.

The nutrient content of breastmilk is remarkably consistent even between moms eating very different diets. Following regular nutrition advice to eat 3-5 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, whole grains, lean protein, dairy, and minimal fat and sugar is adequate for nutrition during breastfeeding, too, and will support overall energy levels.

Texas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs are designed to ensure parents have the resources and nutrition knowledge to nourish families and build the foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness. Eligible families can receive benefits to help by certain types of food (nutrition assistance) and resources like nutrition and lactation consultations. Mothers who receive WIC and are exclusively breastfeeding receive a larger food stipend.

Flavor

Although avoiding or increasing consumption of certain foods doesn’t have a big effect on breastmilk’s nutrients, what parents eat does affect the flavor of milk. Herbs, garlic, and anything with a strong flavor can flavor breastmilk. Babies may prefer certain flavors over others and even remember flavors from breastmilk once they start eating solid foods.

How it Feels

In addition to the nutrition breastmilk provides, breastfeeding also supports bonding, healthy development, and stress management for mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact and hugging with caretakers are important for babies and small children to feel safe and provide the foundation for social development. For moms, breastfeeding is linked to reduced postpartum depression and anxiety.

For all its upsides, breastfeeding isn’t always easy. Whether breastfeeding exclusively, partially, or formula feeding, it’s common for parents to need expert guidance to make a nutrition plan that works long term.

Texas resources

Texas WIC offers comprehensive resources from food assistance to nutrition education. If you already have WIC, you can call SFC’s bilingual Help Desk (Spanish and English) for information about making the most of your WIC benefits with programs like:

WIC Voucher Program – Statewide at select farmers’ markets

Triple WIC – All year long only at SFC Farmers’ Markets (Austin)

WIC Mobile Unit Pop Up – Every second Saturday at SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley

Texas WIC Lactation Support Centers

Texas Lactation Support Hotline
855-550-6667

The Dallas Lactation Care Center operates the Texas Lactation Support Hotline (TLSH). All families and providers are encouraged to call the TLSH for questions on breastfeeding management or assistance in finding local IBCLC services.

Houston – The Lactation Foundation
713-500-2800, option 1

Dallas – Lactation Care Center
214-670-7222

Austin – Mom’s Place
512-972-6700

McAllen – Lactation Care Center RGV
956-292-7711

San Antonio – Lactation Support Center
210-207-7138

Sustainable Food Center’s Education Director Selected by Johns Hopkins for National Public Health Fellowship

Michelle Segura — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:03:43 +0000

Vanessa Beltrán is one of 10 people nationwide chosen for the doctoral track; will use training to expand SFC’s nutrition and food-access programs across Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Vanessa Beltrán, Director of Education at Sustainable Food Center (SFC), has been selected for a fully funded Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) fellowship through the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is one of 10 fellows chosen nationwide for the doctoral program this year.

Beltrán was selected for the Initiative’s Food Systems for Health track, one of five focus areas designed to address major public health challenges.

“My purpose is to help people turn towards one another in care, through community-centered programs, I work to strengthen food systems, improve nutrition security, and empower people to make informed food choices. This fellowship will help me expand the impact of culinary nutrition interventions while generating evidence that can inform public health practice and policy.”

Vanessa Beltran, SFC Education Director

At SFC, Beltrán leads The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre®, a free bilingual culinary nutrition program that has expanded from 20 to more than 60 class series annually. The program now reaches over 1,100 participants across Central, West, and East Texas through a network of 90 peer facilitators.

She also oversees nutrition education for Double Up Food Bucks, Texas, which increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables by matching SNAP benefits.

The Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Bloomberg School trains public health leaders and supports research, partnerships, and policy change to help more Americans live longer, healthier lives.

The fellowship program reflects the Initiative’s commitment to supporting leaders addressing urgent public health challenges in their communities. As Bloomberg American Health Initiative Director Josh Sharfstein noted in a news release, the fellowship is designed to help participants deepen and expand their impact.

Vanessa Beltran MDiv, MPH, RDN, LD

Vanessa is a registered dietitian, public health practitioner, and educator whose work centers on food access, culinary nutrition education, and health equity. She has practiced across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings — including community health centers, a teaching hospital, and a long-term care facility — and has taught culinary nutrition classes for organizations serving youth, families, and older adults across Texas.

As Education Director at SFC, Beltrán supervises a bilingual team, directs curriculum development through community co-creation, and guides the program’s replication partner network statewide. She brings a background in clinical dietetics, community-based nutrition education, and adaptive leadership, including teaching experience at the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard, and consulting with health and social sector organizations navigating complex change. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and a Master of Divinity in Religion, Ethics, and Politics of Health Equity from Harvard Divinity School. Beltrán is currently a DrPH student and Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellow in Food Systems for Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Help us spread these stories. For media requests and inquiries, email msegura@sustainablefoodcenter.org

Sustainable Food Center Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Michelle Segura — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:33:54 +0000

Funding will expand SFC's statewide efforts to improve food access, nutrition education, and community engagement across Texas.

Austin, TX August 05, 2026, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) announced today it received a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families.

The grant recognizes the crucial role of local organizations in fostering positive change, tackling underlying factors that influence health, including socio-economic challenges, and promoting economic opportunities.

Through this investment, the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) will help more Texas families and communities access the resources they need to live healthier lives. The need for this investment is especially urgent. According to a 2025 Feeding America report, Texas now leads the nation in food insecurity, with 1 in 6 households (5.4 million Texans) facing hunger, up from the previous year. This funding will expand access to healthy, locally grown food while supporting Texas farmers and strengthening local economies.

Programs like The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre, SFC’s free, bilingual cooking and nutrition education program, play a key role in building this more resilient food system. Through classes, participants gain practical, culturally relevant skills to prepare nutritious meals and support their family’s well-being. According to a 2025 Texas Diabetes Council report, nearly 3 million Texas adults, about 12.7% of the adult population, are living with diagnosed diabetes. Programs like this provide tools that can help prevent and manage chronic disease while fostering healthier habits for generations to come.

The impact of this work extends far beyond the kitchen table. Claudia D. Peña first joined The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre 26 years ago as a parent looking for practical ways to feed her young family.

"In the very first class I realized that this was exactly what I needed," she said. "I was an immigrant, in a different culture, with a baby I wanted to feed in a healthy way."

Claudia D. Peña

Facilitator

She later trained as a facilitator, and today her son Rodrigo also works alongside her in the program. “Now we share the stage in the classes,” she added. “Simply, this program is part of our life.”

Since 2011, BCBSTX has awarded more than $30 million through the major grants program to community organizations statewide, touching the lives of millions of Texas children and families over the last 15 years. “At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, we recognize the important role social and economic factors play in overall health and well-being. These grants help create stronger pathways to healthier futures for children and families across Texas,” said Jim Springfield, Plan President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “As we approach a century of serving Texans, we remain committed to advancing meaningful outreach, addressing health disparities, and supporting more equitable care—so all Texans have the opportunity to thrive.”

That commitment to equity takes shape in SFC’s programs like Double Up Food Bucks Texas, which matches every SNAP dollar spent on fruits and vegetables, doubling what families can buy at no extra cost, and its WIC Nutrition Support program, which offers similar seasonal vouchers to pregnant women, new parents, and young children, worth up to $120 per family in Central Texas with county funding.

To learn more about supporting or participating in SFC’s programs, visit sustainablefoodcenter.org

Help us spread these stories. For media requests and inquiries, email msegura@sustainablefoodcenter.org

National Peach Month

Anna-Kay Reeves — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:03:43 +0000

The History and Future of Texas Peaches

These days, peaches are a staple of Texas summer and an important crop across the Southern US. But that wasn’t always the case. In fact, compared to foods native to Texas like pecans and persimmons, peaches, which are originally native to Asia, are a recent arrival.

Peaches were introduced early on during European colonization of the Americas and were spread through trade. Like its fellow stonefruit plums and apricots, peaches find success in parts of the US with warm summers and cool winters. Peaches require a period of time below 45 degrees fahrenheit, called “chill hours”, meaning temperate and tropical areas with very mild, warm winters aren’t suitable for peach cultivation.

The 2026 peach crop is smaller than past seasons because Texas experienced a very mild winter followed by a late spring freeze. But don’t worry, there are still peaches! As seasonal temperatures trend warmer and extreme weather becomes more common, Texas farmers face new challenges to their livelihood.

You can do your part to support small-scale farmers by enjoying a Texas peach this month and all peach season! Find a farmers’ market near you at DoubleUpTexas.org

Over 100 Years of Texas Peaches

1850-1920: German and Polish immigration to the Texas Hill Country created a distinct culture in the region. Many immigrants were farmers in Europe and brought agricultural skills with them. It’s thought that “cobbler” first appeared in this era as a dessert to enjoy “cobbled together” ingredients.

1920-1950: In 1921, boll weevils destroyed many Texas cotton crops, prompting farmers to BRANCH OUT into fruit production!

Farmers in the Fredericksburg and wider Gillespie County areas found that regional weather and soil conditions produced large, sweet peaches.

1950-1980: The Texas peach industry peaks, enjoying booming sales both directly from farmers via farm stands and markets and in wholesale markets.

1980-2026: Gillespie County still produces about ⅓ of Texas peaches, but small farmers across the state are under pressure from farmland development and industrial scale competition.

100 Double Up Sites Over Texas

Anna-Kay Reeves — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:03:43 +0000

Double SNAP Across Miles and Miles of Texas

From the windy High Plains to the warmth of the Rio Grande Valley and across the wide expanse between East and West Texas, Double Up Food Bucks Texas is transforming how families access healthy food and how local farmers grow their business. “Statewide” means something BIG in Texas, and Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is proud to say that with over 100 participating farmers’ markets and grocery stores covering every region of the Lonestar State, our program Double Up Texas, is now truly statewide.

Central Texas

There’s a lot to love about Texas, but something we’re working to change is that our state has the highest rate of food insecurity in the US. Double Up Texas is a foundational part of how SFC is transforming Texas food. By doubling Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for shoppers to spend on MORE fresh fruits and vegetables, Double Up Texas increases access to nutritious food and boosts sales for Texas farmers at.

As the Texas administrator for the nationwide Double Up Food Bucks program, SFC partners with grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other nonprofits to offer the program across the state. Our Double Up Texas regional partners are experts in their communities and play an essential role in expanding access to healthy, local food to every Texan.

In 2025, more than 250,000 Texans increased their purchasing power with Double Up Texas, boosting income for over 210 farmers and circulating over two million dollars in Texas food economies.

Reaching the milestone of 100+ sites statewide is all the more meaningful when we reflect on the program’s start in 2012. When SFC launched Double Dollars, later rebranded Double Up Food Bucks Texas, the program started at a single SFC Farmers’ Market in Austin, serving about 25 shoppers a week. These days, hundreds of SNAP shoppers in Central Texas from Austin to Waco double their benefits for fresh produce every week at 20 farmers’ markets and 15 grocery stores.

During SFC’s first five years of offering Double Up Texas in the Austin area, organizations in other regions began offering their own versions of the Double Up Food Bucks program independently from SFC. Recognizing the power of collaboration to create greater impact and program consistency, SFC set its sights on bringing all Double Up Food Bucks locations in the Lone Star State under the Double Up Texas umbrella.

West texas

SFC’s first step toward building the statewide Double Up Texas network was finding the right partner to pilot a regional program with us. That’s how SFC first connected with Sarah Castro, a Lubbock-based food advocate.

“When SFC reached out to partner with us, my only hope was to keep the Double Up Food Bucks program alive in the South Plains,” Sarah said. “I could never have imagined everything that would grow out of that connection.” SFC hired Sarah as West Texas Programs Manager and created our very first regional team.

Slowly but surely, momentum began to build. From a little over $2,000 in Double Up Texas nutrition incentives redeemed in 2018, the program’s economic impact skyrocketed to over $475,000 worth of redemptions with West Texas farmers and grocery stores in 2024. Now, there are 18 Double Up Texas sites in West Texas from Odessa to Amarillo to Wichita Falls.

North Texas

Up the road in North Texas, SFC partners with Texas Health Resources through their initiative Texas Health Community Hope to offer Double Up Texas throughout Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). Increasing consistent access to nutritious food is critical in DFW, which is ranked as the third most food insecure metroplex in the U.S.

Through this impactful partnership, Double Up Texas is now offered at 10 farmers’ markets and 19 grocery stores in the DFW Metroplex alone. Double Up Texas grocery sites in the greater North Texas region include Foodland Grocery, Tom Thumb, and El Rancho Supermercado locations, supporting consistent access to quality nutrition for SNAP shoppers who may work during farmers’ market hours.

East Texas

East Texas is an area of recent expansion for Double Up Texas, and we’re excited to partner with NET Health as the program’s regional lead. Public Health sector partnerships are important for SFC as we build greater recognition that consistent access to fresh, local produce is preventative healthcare.

NET Health connects East Texas residents with affordable health and wellness resources like cancer screenings and free exercise classes. With the expansion of NET Health’s resources to include Double Up Texas, we’re driving home the message that food is medicine and nutrition is and essential tool for preventing and managing chronic illness.

Double Up Texas is now offered at three East Texas farmers’ market locations from Tyler to Beaumont.

Texas Gulf

Just last year, Double Up Texas started matching SNAP benefits in Texas’ most populous city, Houston. We launched Double Up Texas in the heart of Houston’s Hispanic/Latine community at nine Teloloapan Meat Market and two El Ranch Supermercado locations in spring 2025. SFC’s Community Engagement team traveled to Houston to offer bilingual information about Double Up Texas at the program’s community launch party.

“It [was] a great way to learn about the program, enjoy some fun activities, and see how every dollar can go further toward fresh, healthy food,” said Estefania Ayala, Vice President of Teloloapan Meat Market / Telomarket.

The Teloloapan team’s capacity for communication in bilingual and Spanish-speaking communities is pushing the Double Up Texas program to strengthen its bilingual resources to better serve every Texan.

South Texas

Two hours South of Austin, San Antonio marks the start of South Texas, a leader in agriculture and hub for Texas culture. In 2024, SFC partnered with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD), now the region’s Double Up Texas lead. Through connecting Double Up Texas with San Antonio’s city health and nutrition initiatives like the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, we’re building a model for community transformation through municipal and nonprofit partnerships.

Rio Grande Valley

Still farther South, Texas farmers stay busy in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region’s subtropical climate and long growing season. In fact, the RGV is the largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the state! While the majority of produce grown in the region is sold in other states or exported internationally, Double Up Texas is an important economic and social tool to make the bountiful produce of the RGV affordable for the people who call the area home. SFC’s longstanding partnership with Brownsville Wellness Coalition, Double Up Texas regional lead in the RGV, sets the scene for thriving health for people and the environment in the years to come.

Far West Texas

Way out west, we partner with Desert Spoon Food Hub to offer Double Up Texas at grocery locations in El Paso and Socorro. Many Far West Texas communities have limited options for fresh, local food. Double Up Texas’ presence in both El Paso and Socorro demonstrates how the program works in both rural and urban settings, building bridges between farmers, retailers, and families. SFC is excited to see how our strong partnerships in Big Bend country will support greater access to local food through Double Up Texas in the years to come.

Better Together

Food systems, like ecosystems, thrive in connection. Double Up Texas is the fruit of collaboration with over 100 partner sites, supported by state, federal, and donor funding, and we’re still growing. As inflation persists and small-scale farmers work to turn a profit, Double Up Food Bucks Texas is a WIN WIN WIN, increasing food security for families with SNAP, boosting farm sales, and circulating money in local economies.

Who’s with us? If you’re interested in offering Double Up Texas in your market or store, we want to hear from you! Interested retailers can complete a partner interest form. Together, we can transform the Texas food system to nourish community health, Texas land, and farmer livelihood.

Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos

Sarah Collica — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:40:27 +0000

SFC’s Temporary Relief Program at Participating Farmers’ Markets in Texas

Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is partnering with select farmers’ markets across Texas to offer Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos – a temporary relief program to help families and farmers affected by the federal government shutdown.

This program provides market dollars that shoppers can use to buy food and drinks at select farmers’ markets in the Double Up Food Bucks Texas network. Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos helps families stretch their budgets while ensuring local farmers continue to earn income from selling fresh food in their communities.

How it Works

Starting November 15, 2025, Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos will be available at select farmers’ markets in Texas. Participating farmers’ markets (see full list below) can offer $10-$30 per customer per day in Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos. Each market will decide how much they are able to distribute per customer per day.

Shoppers can use Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos for any food or drink items at the participating market. Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos expire on December 31, 2025.

How to Participate

Find a participating farmers’ market (see list below)
Visit the market information booth
Ask to receive Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Fresco
Shop the market

Participating Farmers’ Markets

Thank you to the farmers’ markets in the Double Up Food Bucks Texas network who have opted to participate in Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos to support families and farmers in their communities. This temporary program ends at participating markets on December 31, 2025.

North Texas

Your Voice Matters: Tell Congress to Protect SNAP

Sarah Collica — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 21:46:07 +0000

As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Texans are at risk of losing access to food. Right now, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed for November.

Last updated: October 31, 12:00 Pm

When SNAP stops, families go hungry and farmers lose income.

More than 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children, rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Behind the numbers are real people: parents, children, older adults, and essential workers who deserve the dignity of reliable access to nutritious food.

Your voice can help protect this vital program. Tell Congress to protect SNAP today!

Your voice matters – share how SNAP impacts you personally to tell Congress that protecting SNAP should be a top priority.

Whether you’re a SNAP recipient, a farmer, employee of a SNAP-authorized grocery store or farmers’ market, or a community member who believes everyone deserves access to healthy food, your voice matters.

Follow these steps to contact your Congress members and share information about the importance of SNAP with your network:

Find Your Congress members.

Visit house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and enter your zipcode to find your Texas Representative. Texas Senators are Ted Cruz and John Cornyn.

2. Tell Congress Why Protecting SNAP Matters to You.

Once you’ve identified your members, click “Contact” beneath their profile to call or write your message. Every message, email, and call is counted and recorded.

Your voice and who you are matter. Consider how your personal experiences with SNAP show the importance of the program.

Not sure what to say? Find the category you identify with below and use the bullet points to start telling your story.

Once you’ve sent your message, log your advocacy to help us track engagement.

3. Share Social Media Resources to Raise Awareness in Your Network.

Spread the word by sharing SFC’s posts on social media. SFC is consistently engaging with advocacy and relief resources on social media. Follow and repost from:

Instagram: @sfclocal
Facebook and LinkedIn: @Sustainable Food Center

When you share our posts, it raises awareness about food access resources, the importance of protecting SNAP, and helps SFC connect with more Texans directly.

Messaging Resources: SNAP Recipients and Community Members

Tell Congress Why SNAP Matters

Tell your Congressional representatives why SNAP matters — whether you use it yourself or simply believe everyone deserves access to healthy food. Personal stories make a difference.

First, introduce yourself and say that you are a constituent. Then, tell them that you are calling to urge immediate action to fund the SNAP program. Share a story about why SNAP matters to you.

Here are some examples of what you can share:

If you use SNAP or Double Up Food Bucks

“SNAP helps me afford fresh fruits and vegetables for my family.”

“Double Up Food Bucks lets me buy more healthy food and support local farmers.”

“Losing SNAP benefits would mean skipping meals to make ends meet.”

If you don’t use SNAP but care about food access:

“Everyone deserves to eat healthy food, and SNAP helps make that possible.”

“As a [farmer/vendor/neighbor/community member], I see how important SNAP is for our local economy.”

“SNAP supports families, farmers, and small businesses in my community. We can’t afford to lose it.”
“I am calling for immediate action to protect SNAP funding and ensure uninterrupted access for the Texans who need it most. Every day without SNAP benefits means:
- Families are forced to skip meals or go without fresh food.
- Farmers and local food businesses are losing vital income.
- Communities are losing access to affordable, healthy options.”

Messaging Resources: Farmers

Tell Congress Why SNAP Matters

SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks are lifeline for farmers and local food businesses across Texas. Every SNAP dollar spent at farmers markets or farm stands helps farmers earn vital income while families get the fresh, healthy food they need.

The federal shutdown threatens SNAP funding — and with it, the livelihoods of farmers and producers who rely on these sales.

Here’s what you can say when contacting your members::

“My farm depends on SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks to sell fresh produce to local families.”
“Losing SNAP benefits means fewer customers at farmers markets and less income for my farm.”
“SNAP helps me keep my farm sustainable while supporting my community’s access to healthy food.”
“Double Up Food Bucks stretches SNAP dollars so families can afford more fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s essential for my farm business.”

Messaging Resources: Double Up Texas Markets & Grocery Stores

Tell Congress Why SNAP Matters

Food programs like SNAP and nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas) not only support families bringing home more nutritious food but strengthen local food economies. Since January 2025, sales at participating Double Up Texas farmers’ markets and grocery stores alone have generated over $200,000 worth of economic activity through SNAP and Double Up Texas sales.

This means more money for Texas farmers and food businesses, and more healthy food for families.

Here’s what markets and retailers can share with their representatives:

“At [location or organization name] we serve customers who rely on SNAP benefits to meet their families’ food needs. At [name of location], we double the value of SNAP benefits so that every SNAP dollar goes further for fresh, healthy food.”
“Our [farmers/vendors/local food producers] depend on SNAP purchases as a key part of their income. Customers depend on these benefits to put food on the table.”
“The federal shutdown threatens the timely distribution of SNAP benefits, which would directly impact [our farmers’ market; our programming; families, farmers, and retailers across Texas].”
“We are calling for immediate action to protect SNAP funding and ensure uninterrupted access for the Texans who need it most. Every day without SNAP benefits means:
- Families are forced to skip meals or go without fresh food.
- Farmers and local food businesses are losing vital income.
- Communities are losing access to affordable, healthy options.”

Your Voice Can Protect SNAP

Together, we can make sure every Texan has access to healthy, local food.

Tell Congress to protect SNAP today.

Your voice matters, your story matters, and your action makes a difference. Let’s keep food on tables and dollars in our communities.

SFC is actively adapting our programs to support families facing food insecurity and Texas farmers during this uncertain time — more updates to come soon.