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

1. Find a participating farmers’ market (see list below)
2. Visit the market information booth
3. Ask to receive Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Fresco
4. 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

Coppell Farmers Market

Cowtown Farmers Market

Dallas Farmers Market

Denton Community Market

Lakewood Tower Farmers Market

Opal’s Farm Stand

Saginaw Farmers Market

White Rock Farmers Market

Central Texas

Chaparral Crossing Farmers Market
Fresh for Less Home Delivery
Fresh for Less Mobile Markets
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: CommUnity Care North Central
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: Del Valle Health and Wellness Center
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: East Communities YMCA
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: Lone Star Circle of Care at Collinfield
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: People’s Community Clinic
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: Sierra Vista Apartments
Fresh for Less Mobile Market: Southeast Health and Wellness Center
Mission Marquee Farmers and Artisans Market
SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown
SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley
Smithville Sunday Market
Texas Farmers Market at Bell
Texas Farmers Market at Mueller Waco Downtown Farmers Market

West Texas

Juicy Lucy’s and Idalou Harvest Farmers Market

South Texas

Victoria Farmers Market

McAllen Farmers Market

Brownsville Farmers Market

Fresco Mobile Market Galveston’s Own Farmers Market Grow Local South Texas Farmers Market H.O.P.E. Farmers Market #1 Harvest for the Hungry

East Texas

Whitehouse Farmers Market

Rose City Farmers Market

Questions? Call SFC’s bilingual Help Desk

SFC continues to work with our partners statewide to adapt our programs to support Texas communities as the government shutdown continues. Call the bilingual Help Desk at (512) 730-1807 for more information about Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos and other food access resources in Texas.

We are here to help you find the resources you need.

The post Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

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:

1. 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.

The post Your Voice Matters: Tell Congress to Protect SNAP appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

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$6 Million Investment from 89th Texas Legislature Supports Texas Families and Farmers

AUSTIN, TEXAS – A second landmark investment in nutrition incentives from the State of Texas paves the way for continued growth of nutrition programs like SFC’s Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas). Double Up Texas doubles SNAP benefits to spend on local fruit and vegetables at over 100 participating locations across Texas. 

We’re thrilled to share a major win for healthy food access in Texas: the state has made a second, historic investment in nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Texas. Thanks to support from state lawmakers during the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature approved $6 million in general revenue funding to expand nutrition incentive programs across the state in the 2026 – 2027 biennium. 

This victory, secured through the advocacy of Sustainable Food Center (SFC) and our partners, marks a powerful step forward in building a more resilient food system for all Texans.

Double Up Texas, the state’s flagship nutrition incentive program, matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. This means that families shopping with SNAP can double their purchasing power when buying produce – putting more healthy food on the table while supporting local farmers and food businesses. SFC administers Double Up Texas with support from state, federal, and philanthropic funding.

Between October 2023 and September 2024 (federal fiscal year 2024), 3,193,000 people in Texas – 1 in 10 – Texans received SNAP.

Double Up Texas was launched in Austin at SFC Farmers’ Market in 2012. Through regional partnerships and expansion into grocery stores, the program now has 105 participating locations in every region of the state. Currently, 46 farmers markets and 59 grocery stores participate in Double Up Texas. These sites support over 220 Texas farmers and bring millions of dollars in economic activity back into our local communities.

Double Up Food Bucks Texas is projected to generate $2 million in economic activity through sales at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and grocery stores in 2025.

SFC Farmers’ Market vendor and co-owner of Animal Farm, Cas Vanwoerden, has participated in Double Up Texas since the program was launched. “[With Double Up Texas], we see both increased attendance and an increase in sales,” Van Worden said. And now, with renewed state investment, Double Up Texas is poised for meaningful growth in both urban and rural areas of the state.

The post Texas Doubles Down on Healthy, Local Food: Texas Legislature Makes Second Investment in Nutrition Incentives appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

How is SFC Transforming the Food System?

At Sustainable Food Center (SFC), our mission is simple yet powerful: we transform the food system, improving access to fresh, nutritious food. To make a lasting impact, we engage across the food system from growing food to enjoying it. Let’s dive into how SFC works every day to support an equitable and inclusive Texas food system where people and the environment thrive.

How Do Healthy Food Systems Support Thriving People?

In our modern food system, the people behind food production often remain unseen. From farmers to grocery store employees to consumers, people are involved and affected at every step of the food system.

Farmers & Consumers Are Part of Thriving Land and Food Systems 

Small-scale farmers and ranchers are crucial to a just and resilient food system because they supply food close to where it’s grown. It’s important to have thriving local agriculture because during times of supply disruption, like the pandemic, extreme weather events, or even high transportation costs, small farms are able to continue supplying food locally. 

To support small-scale farmers and ranchers selling their products directly to consumers, SFC supports a large network of farmers’ markets across Texas, including our own markets in Austin, SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown and SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley, every Saturday, rain or shine. These markets are a key part of how SFC is transforming the food system by providing a space for small-scale producers to increase their income and connect with their community. 

As an alternative to selling directly to consumers, we connect producers to wholesale markets like schools and grocery stores through the Market Matchmaking program. Producers taking part in our Market Matching program saw a nearly 37% average increase in farm revenue as documented in our 2023 annual report. If farmers aren’t quite ready to scale up their business through wholesale, we offer a Wholesale Readiness course to give producers a head start on success in wholesale markets.

We see HUGE potential for schools and grocery stores to buy fresh produce and protein from local producers. Serving and stocking local food increases farm revenue and strengthens regional food security. The SFC Farm to School Learning Collaborative is one way we create knowledge-sharing spaces to connect schools to local food. An example comes from our latest SFC Farm to School Learning Collaborative session. In the video you’ll see our partners at Texas Tribal Buffalo Project answer questions about opportunities like the Florence ISD pilot program which is making bison meat available through school lunches.

Food Access Program Participants Support the Economy

Farmers rely on consumers to buy their products, but too often only high-income groups can afford and access fresh-farm food. SFC is the statewide leader of Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas), our signature food access program. Double Up Texas increases fair access to local produce by doubling SNAP participants’ benefits to spend on more fruits and vegetables. 

From its start at a single farmers’ market in Austin ten years ago, Double Up Texas has grown to nearly 60 sites statewide. In 2023, the program served more than 34,000 families, circulating $788,744 in local economies. 

We also offer seasonal food access programs like the WIC Voucher Program, which gives WIC recipients $30 for summer and fall produce.

Cooks & Family Nutritionists

Access to fresh produce is just the start of how SFC is transforming the food system. The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre® (THK / LCA) teaches families and communities how to cook and enjoy nutritious meals, using the Happy Plate — half fruits and vegetables, one quarter grains, and one quarter protein, and THK / LCA®’s cookbook Fresh & Seasonal Recipes. This free, bilingual class series helps families cook affordable, nutritious meals with confidence and provides free groceries after each class to practice at home.

Informed Communities

It’s important for families and communities to know accessible food options exist. SFC raises awareness about market options, Double Up Texas, and THK / LCA® through in-person events and virtual promotions in both English and Spanish. Our bilingual SFC Help Desk, run by our expert team of promotoras (community advocates), answers questions and provides resources about nutrition incentive programs. 

THRIVING ENVIRONMENT

How is SFC Transforming the Food System for a Thriving Environment?

Regenerative Farming & Environmental Sustainability

We support small-scale farms that use sustainable farming practices. Unlike industrial farms that grow one type of crop and exhaust soil nutrients, regenerative farms improve soil health and reduce chemical use. Regenerative agriculture leads to a more sustainable and resilient food system with: 

• Less fertilizer runoff polluting waterways  
• Less chemical pesticides
• Fewer disruptions in the supply chain
• More food and food dollars stay local, cutting transportation emissions

Each farm and ranch vendor at SFC Farmers’ Markets is visited by SFC staff to ensure products sold are produced ethically and sustainably. By giving farmers a platform to sell, we support their success and help build a more sustainable food system and healthier planet.

Our work also promotes environmental sustainability. By encouraging local food sales through Double Up Texas and farmers’ markets, there is a reduced need for long-distance transportation and refrigeration, cutting down emissions and energy usage.   By helping more people access locally produced food, small-scale farmers can earn a better income that allows them to stay in farming, while the community enjoys fresh, nutritious food. 

That’s how SFC is transforming the food system, but you may be wondering: why does the food system need to be transformed? 

Why Is SFC Transforming The Food System?

Expanding Food Access and Supporting Small-Farm Viability

Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is dedicated to creating a just and inclusive food system because the industrial food system limits access to fresh, local food, carries unfair risks for underserved producers, and harms our environment.

Fair Food Access Supports Thriving People

Why Is SFC Transforming the Food System for Consumers?

Texans face the second-highest level of food insecurity in the US, with 1 in 8 Texans experiencing food insecurity according to Feeding Texas. Even more Texas children – 1 in 5 – experience food insecurity, even though Texas is one of the top four food producing states in the nation. With 20% of Texas children experiencing food insecurity, schools play an important role in improving food access and supporting Texas farmers through local food purchasing. That’s why our Farm to School initiative connects local farmers to Texas school districts looking to make wholesale purchases for school meals.

Economic inequality is the largest driver of food insecurity in the current food system. Poverty and food insecurity are worse for groups who have been discriminated against historically. According to Feeding Texas, Black Texans are more than twice as likely to experience food insecurity as white Texans, and 18% of Hispanic children in Texas experience food insecurity, compared to 12% of white children. That’s why SFC is transforming the food system to make local food accessible to a wider range of income levels by accepting and doubling SNAP and WIC benefits at SFC Farmers’ Markets. We also advocate for and support other markets and grocery stores across the state in accepting and doubling benefits, resulting in more equitable access to nutritious food. Increasing food access for consumers at multiple income levels also means increased sales opportunities for local food producers and local economic activity. In 2023 alone, Double Up Food Bucks Texas sales circulated $788,744 in local economies, as documented in SFC’s 2023 Impact Report.

Why Is SFC Transforming the Food System for Producers?

On the producer side of the equation, underserved producers like BIPOC and beginning farmers lack the safety nets that industrial agriculture receives through government subsidies and crop insurance options. That’s why SFC is transforming the food system to address these barriers and promote equitable risk sharing through policy and advocacy, and by supporting farmer livelihood.

Small-scale farmers are critical players in regional food security and local economic activity, but policy doesn’t always reflect their perspectives or best interests. That’s why a throughline of our policy advocacy work is gathering farmer feedback. We host regular farmer listening sessions to better understand small-scale producers’ perspectives on issues like land access, water resources, and crop insurance. We use what we learn at these sessions to inform our policy and advocacy priorities and the direction of our farmer support work.

Reliable and diversified income streams are critical for farm viability. We support small-scale farmers’ livelihoods through two revenue-generating platforms: direct sales at SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown and SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley and wholesale in commercial markets. We value our weekly community markets because they allow farmers to build face-to-face relationships with customers and educate them about how their products and practices support local, sustainable food production. On the other hand, wholesale opportunities allow farmers to sell food in bulk to grocery stores, restaurants, and schools, providing predictable product demand and income. Farmers who participated in SFC Market Matchmaking program, which connects farmers to wholesale buyers, saw revenue increase by more than 30% in 2023!

Thriving Environment

Why is SFC Transforming the Food System for the Environment?

Policy

Government support for industrial agriculture unfairly advantages large-scale, unsustainable producers over small-scale, regenerative producers. That means when crop loss or unexpected expenses arise, small-scale farmers are more likely to struggle to recover financially.

For example, $38 million is allocated annually for agricultural subsidies, but only about .4% of these subsidies go to fruit, vegetable, and nut production. That’s why SFC is transforming the food system by advocating for policies that level the playing field for small-scale producers who are more likely to grow a diversified range of crops. The lack of policy safety nets in the form of government subsidies and affordable, comprehensive crop insurance makes small farms unfairly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are increasing because of climate change. Without policy safety nets, natural disasters like drought, flooding, hard freezes, or wildfires that damage and destroy crops hit small-scale farms harder.

SFC is creating an agricultural landscape that promotes equity for small-scale, regenerative farms to thrive. We know that policy and advocacy is a long game, so while we work toward systemic transformation, we also provide more immediate support for small-scale producers to transition to sustainable practices. This includes advocating for access to land and capital to enhance farm sustainability and profitability, especially for those with limited resources and from underrepresented communities.

Local Economy & Land Stewardship

We support small-scale, regenerative farmers because a hyper-local, regenerative food economy conserves natural resources and builds more resilient supply chains for the next generation.

Over time, farmland that is managed regeneratively not only enhances soil health – holding more water, carbon, and nutrients – but also requires fewer costly chemical inputs to produce more sustainable local food. That’s good for the environment and for farmers’ bottom line. According to the Texas Environmental Almanac, Texas is one of the 8 states with the highest soil erosion, with 40% of Texas soil classified as highly erodible. Regenerative practices like cover cropping slow and reverse soil erosion by holding soil in place and inputting organic material, protecting soil resources for the next generation. SFC advocates for transforming the food system so that small-scale, regenerative farmers receive support to stay competitive against industrial producers prioritizing short-term, high-yield practices that degrade the environment.

When the food supply chain receives a shock, whether from unexpected shutdowns like the Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts around the world, or extreme weather, the flow of food products can slow down or even stop. This puts pressure on food trade, increasing food prices and limiting food access. By supporting the livelihoods of local, small-scale producers, we are ensuring that Texas communities continue to have affordable and consistent food access. That’s why  SFC Farmers’ Markets Downtown and at Sunset Valley are local food access points that are both deeply connected to the community and independent from industrial food systems. Local food also stays closer to the place it was produced, reducing energy costs and greenhouse emissions to refrigerate and transport goods.

Why SFC Transforms the Food System: Stronger Together

So, now you know why SFC is transforming the food system and how we are making a lasting impact. Sustainable Food Center is leading the charge in Texas to create a food system that’s just, equitable, and sustainable. We’re pushing for policies that support local farmers, increase food access, and build resilient food systems. Our mission is powered by community support and collaboration. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to healthy food and thriving people flourish in a thriving environment. Join us on their journey toward a more sustainable food future. Join us on our journey toward a more sustainable food future.

The post SFC Transforming the Food System appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

At Sustainable Food Center (SFC), we’ve always believed that everyone deserves access to nutritious, affordable food. This belief has guided us for five decades, shaping our efforts to build an equitable food system that supports small-scale farmers and strengthens our communities. As CEO, I’m excited to share that SFC is entering a new chapter. This chapter of expanded service includes a fresh look and an even deeper commitment to serving communities facing food insecurity and small-scale farmers across Texas. Our updated brand and website reflect this expansion, making it easier than ever for Texans to connect with us and support a food-secure future.

Cultivating a Better Food Future

Our recent rebrand is more than a fresh new look – it’s an expression of the strides we’re making to serve Texas in innovative ways. At SFC, we serve two distinct yet interconnected groups: individuals and families facing food insecurity and small-scale Texas producers who are vital to a robust, sustainable food system.  A prime example of how we serve both groups is our Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas) program. Double Up Texas increases the purchasing power of SNAP and WIC shoppers by matching benefits to buy more fruits and vegetables. This in turn supports the livelihood of Texas farmers by increasing the demand for local food.

Leading texas food systems

Since its launch at one farmers’ market in 2012, Double Up Texas has expanded to more than 60 locations statewide, reaching grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and farm stands. Recently, we were thrilled to secure $8.7 million from USDA NIFA’s Gus Shumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which will fuel Double Up Texas’ expansion. Over the next four years, we’ll work with Double Up Texas regional leads to triple the number of participating locations, significantly expanding fresh, nutritious food access for families in rural and urban areas across all 11 regions of Texas. 

To make this possible, we need strong community support to meet the required $8.7 million match.  This would allow a total of $17.4 million to be invested in local food production and accessibility. We believe wholeheartedly in the future of Double Up Texas as a powerful, market-based solution that nourishes Texan health while supporting the livelihood of small-scale Texas farmers who steward the land. With Double Up Texas’s continued growth, our rebrand and new website   bring clarity to our public image, making it easier for more Texans to access resources and engage with us as we advance as a Texas food systems leader.

Reflecting Vibrant and Diverse Texas Communities

As SFC expands across Texas, we’re reaching communities from the Texas Panhandle and to the Rio Grande Valley. To represent this diversity authentically, we collaborated with nonprofit marketing experts at Causality to create a brand that captures the spirit of Texas and the vibrancy of SFC. Our new look draws inspiration from our 2022 farmers’ market box truck, which was a truly community-designed project. With vibrant colors and imagery that we hope reflects the uniqueness of our communities, our rebrand symbolizes SFC’s commitment to meeting Texans where they are and tailoring our support to fit local needs. The new logo, color palette, and website represent who we are today—a Texas food systems leader reaching new communities. Through this rebrand, we aim to inspire connection, trust, and a shared mission for a healthier food system across Texas.

Join Us in Transforming the Food System

As we build a more equitable and resilient food system, we invite you to be a part of our journey. There are many ways to get involved: consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us reach our $8.7 million match for Double Up Texas, sign up as a facilitator for The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre®, or shop at one of our SFC Farmers’ Markets Downtown or at Sunset Valley. For a full look at our programs and the impact we’re making, visit our newly refreshed website and learn more about what we do at SFC. If you’re in Austin, we’d also love to see you at Farm to Plate, our annual fundraiser, happening May 8, 2025, at LZR (La Zona Rosa). Together, we’re transforming Texas food —one meal, one family, and one farm at a time.

The post Rebrand Positions SFC as Texas Food Systems Leader appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

This funding will allow SFC to triple the number of grocery stores and farmers’ markets participating in its Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas) program, significantly expanding access to fresh, nutritious food for families in rural and urban communities across all 11 regions of Texas. The program, which matches the purchasing power of families using SNAP benefits, will boost sales for local farmers while helping Texans make nutritious choices.

“These investments answer the call to the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, which is an extension of the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that aims to end hunger and increase healthy eating,” the USDA NIFA announced on Friday.

“This is a transformative opportunity for Texas,” said Mark Bethell, CEO of SFC. “With this funding, not only will more families have access to fresh, affordable food, but Texas farmers will benefit from stronger local demand for their produce, building a more resilient food system.”

Expanding Reach and Impact Across Texas​

This $17.4 million investment in Double Up Texas will enable SFC to partner with over 150 retailers, expanding the program’s reach into rural and urban communities where nutritious food access is often limited. The program will also directly support farmers and food producers by increasing sales, contributing to a more robust Texas agricultural sector. SFC aims to establish and build upon lasting partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the program beyond the four-year funding period.

“With USDA NIFA’s support, SFC will work closely with regional leads to tailor Double Up Texas to meet the needs of each community,” said Hannah Thornton, SFC’s Senior Director of Food Access and Education. “This localized approach allows us to leverage the expertise of regional partners, like Texas Health Resources, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, Brownsville Wellness Coalition, and Desert Spoon Food Hub. By tailoring Double Up Texas to meet the specific needs of different regions, we’re ensuring local farmers and businesses thrive, while making fresh food more accessible to families across the state.”

Proven Impact of Double Up Food Bucks Texas​

Since launching Texas’ first SNAP incentive program in 2012, SFC has been a leader in promoting local food and supporting Texas farmers. Double Up Texas is integral to SFC’s mission of transforming Texas’ food system to nourish health, land, and livelihood.

In 2023 alone, Double Up Texas served over 34,000 SNAP households, increasing local food sales by $788,744 for Texas farmers and retailers. Additionally, in the past year, 194 Texas farmers saw increased sales due to Double Up Texas, with 278 farmers benefiting from 2022. Currently operating at 61 locations across the state, this new GusNIP funding will allow the program to expand to 150 locations, reaching even more communities and continuing to drive local economic growth.

Building a Healthier Future for Texas​

The GusNIP grant will fund various initiatives, including the expansion of Double Up Texas at grocery stores and farmers’ markets, as well as enhancing culturally relevant nutrition education through SFC’s The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® program, ensuring families have the skills to prepare nutritious meals using local produce.

By increasing access to these services, SFC aims to provide lasting support to communities facing high rates of diet-related diseases and limited access to nutritious food. This investment will help address food insecurity, improve the health of Texas families, and create a more sustainable food system for future generations.

“Double Up Texas has grown because of dedicated partnerships, community input, and sustained advocacy,” said Simone Benz, Director of Policy and Advocacy at SFC. “The GusNIP grant allows us to continue working at the intersection of food access and local food economies, improving food security while creating greater opportunities for Texas farmers. It’s a win-win-win that proves we can create a more sustainable and thriving food system through targeted collaboration.”

SFC is committed to ensuring food access, supporting local economies, and building a healthier future for all Texans.

The post SFC Secures $8.7 Million to Expand Access to Fresh, Nutritious Food Across Texas through Double Up Food Bucks Texas appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

Local Economy & Land Stewardship

We support small-scale, regenerative farmers because a hyper-local, regenerative food economy conserves natural resources and builds more resilient suppliy chains for the next generation.

Over time, farmland that is managed regeneratively not only enhances soil health – holding more water, carbon, and nutrients – but also requires fewer costly chemical inputs. That’s good for the environment and for farmers’ bottom line. According to the Texas Environmental Almanac, Texas is one of the 8 states with the highest soil erosion, with 40% of Texas soil classified as highly erodible. Regenerative practices like cover cropping slow and reverse soil erosion by holding soil in place and inputting organic material, protecting soil resources for the next generation. SFC advocates for transforming the food system so that small-scale, regenerative farmers receive support to stay competitive against industrial producers prioritizing short-term, high-yield practices that degrade the environment.

When the food supply chain receives a shock, whether from unexpected shutdowns like the Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts around the world, or extreme weather, the flow of food products can slow down or even stop. This puts pressure on food trade, increasing food prices and limiting food access. By supporting the livelihoods of local, small-scale producers, we are ensuring that Texas communities continue to have affordable and consistent food access. That’s why SFC Farmers’ Markets Downtown and at Sunset Valley are local food access points that are both deeply connected to the community and independent from industrial food systems. Local food also stays closer to the place it was produced, reducing energy costs and greenhouse emissions to refrigerate and transport goods.

Why SFC Transforms the Food System: Stronger Together

So, now you know why SFC is transforming the food system and how we are making a lasting impact. Sustainable Food Center is leading the charge in Texas to create a food system that’s just, equitable, and sustainable. We’re pushing for policies that support local farmers, increase food access, and build resilient food systems. Our mission is powered by community support and collaboration. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to healthy food and thriving people flourish in a thriving environment. Join us on their journey toward a more sustainable food future. Join us on our journey toward a more sustainable food future.

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During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) led a community-driven campaign to advocate for funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentives, like Double Up Food Bucks Texas.

On June 19, 2023, the State of Texas approved the appropriation of $6 million in grant funding to SNAP incentive programs that provide recipients a dollar-for-dollar match to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. With the increased state funding, SNAP incentive programs can expand to more locations across Texas, with a particular focus on historically marginalized rural communities.

SNAP strengthens Texas food security

With four million Texas households experiencing food insecurity and the end of SNAP emergency allotments in February 2023, access to fresh food moves increasingly out of reach. Fortunately, programs like Double Up Food Bucks Texas utilize the power of SNAP to bring families more nutritious food, while supporting local farm businesses throughout our state.

For over a decade, SFC has built and expanded the Double Up Food Bucks Texas coalition through deep partnerships, community engagement, and outreach. Since 2019, they have received three rounds of funding from the USDA Gus Schumer Nutrition Incentive Program (USDA GusNIP) grant. Thanks to the USDA GusNIP grant, the support of multiple funding partners, and the deep trust and collaboration with regional partners, Double Up Food Bucks Texas has over 50 active sites across the state including El Paso, Dallas – Fort Worth, Brownsville, Lubbock, and beyond.

transformative connections

With this victory, SFC remains committed to being guided and informed by the communities we serve and our growing network of partners. We are thrilled and honored to work in partnership with organizations across the state to ensure the success of Double Up Food Bucks Texas for families, farmers, and local communities. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, especially the Center for Science in the Public Interest; American Heart Association, Texas; Partnership for Healthy Texas; Colyandro Public Affairs; Brownsville Wellness Coalition; Desert Spoon Food Hub; Texas Food Policy Roundtable Partners; and farmers and farmers markets across Texas, for their instrumental support throughout the campaign. We look forward to collaborating with our partners in the Double Up Texas coalition and with Texas Health and Human Services to ensure that these funds have a maximum impact on Texas families and farmers.

The post CAMPAIGN VICTORY: State of Texas Appropriates $6 Million in Grant Funding to SNAP Incentive Programs appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.