$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.

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By Anna-Kay Reeves, Multimedia Communications Specialist

This blog summarizes research and analysis carried out by SFC team members Amy Gallo, Farm Viability Director, Marie Miller, Farm Viability Coordinator, and Hallie Casey, former Value Chain Director, with Jarred Maxwell and Krisztian Varsa. Read the full report: Land Access: Toward Preserving Land in Central Texas for Regenerative Farming.

Farmland Prices At Record Highs

The only thing bigger than Texas (ignoring Alaska) is Texas pride. Texans have reason to be proud – if the Lone Star State were a country, it would have the 8th largest economy in the world. While the economic boom is good for many sectors, it’s a bust when it comes to preserving high-quality farmland. Land access is one of the biggest challenges facing small-scale producers in the region. “I thought land was expensive 10 years ago. But this land costs five times what it did 10 years ago,” said Aubrey Noelke, co-owner of Belle Vie Farm & Kitchen.

“I thought land was expensive 10 years ago. but this land costs five times what it did 10 years ago,” – Aubrey Noelke, Co-owner Belle Vie Farm & Kitchen

Economic growth in the “Texas Triangle”, made up of the Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and DFW metroplexes, has inflated the price of land near Central Texas cities. As big-name retailers like Amazon and Tesla expand Texas operations and population growth increases the demand for residential development, small-scale farmers are hard-pressed to gain and retain land access in the region. In a dollars-only evaluation of who can profit more per acre, developers win. But the profit potential in developing land for manufacturing, processing, and residential use doesn’t account for the value small-scale farming adds to regional food security and land stewardship. 

How Does Central Texas Land Access Impact Local Food?

Our food system relies on global trade and shipping to stock food products. When supply chains break down —  as a result of weather, public health, or even high transportation costs — locally-produced food is critical to keeping communities fed. “Events like Winter Storm Uri made the local food system that much more important. So we really wanted to be a part of that,” said SFC Farmers’ Market Coordinator Devon Sisneros of her decision to open Sun & Moon Farm with her partner. 

An investment in Central Texas land access for small-scale farmers and ranchers is an investment in food system resilience. Small-scale, sustainable farms like Belle Vie Farm & Kitchen produce food that doesn’t need to travel far to nourish communities, all while enriching the soil with fertilizer from pasture animals. 

The Future of Land Access is Collaborative

Growers and producers from all backgrounds deserve the chance to support their local food system and earn a livelihood. To protect the future of local farming in Central Texas, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) recommends nonprofits and municipalities partner with agricultural land trusts to buy land, preserve it through conservation easements, and lease it back to farmers. 

This solution protects regional food security and supports diversity in agriculture by increasing land access near urban centers, where many communities who historically faced discrimination in accessing land, including BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ farmers, feel most at home. People should be able to farm where they feel safe and connected. 

Keep an eye out for a follow up article focused on land access for underserved farmers or read the full report.

To protect the future of local farming in Central Texas, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) recommends nonprofits, municipalities, and land trusts partner to buy land, Enter it into conservation easement, and lease land back to farmers.

Currently, many Texas organizations and land trusts like Cibolo Conservancy and Conservation Force focus on the critical work of wildland habitat preservation, but few focus on land use for food production. Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT) is one of the state’s only land conservation advocates focused on the preservation of “working lands”, land used for crop cultivation, grazing, or as part of drainage and storm protection infrastructure. 

TALT is off to a running start on purchasing and entering working lands into conservation easements, with plans to close on 28 property sales planned in 2024 alone. However, TALT’s focus is primarily on large, rural tracts of land in parts of the state where competition from developers is less intense. Central Texas, with its smaller land parcels and soaring costs, leaves developers with little to no viable competition from sustainable agriculture.

That’s where partnerships come in. SFC’s analysis suggests that collective action from nonprofits, city and county governments, and multiple land trusts pooling resources to buy land, place it under long term conservation easement before leasing it back to farmers can protect Central Texas farmland. This solution isn’t only theoretical: the Working Farms Fund, an initiative of the Conservation Fund, is an example of land trust management that has been successful in preserving farmland around metro areas like Atlanta and Chicago. 

Central Texas needs a similar effort to ensure high quality farmland is accessible to small-scale food producers. “I see a future in which there is real tangible investment in the preservation of small and mid-size farms. One that honors the land, provides a decent quality of life for farmers, and provides food to the community in which it is grown,” said Amy Gallo, SFC Farm Viability Director.

“I see a future in which there is real tangible investment in the preservation of small and mid-size farms. One that honors the land, provides a decent quality of life for farmers, and provides food to the community in which it is grown,” –  Amy Gallo, SFC Farm Viability Director.

Local Land Access Transforms the Food System

You may have heard “No farms, no food”, American Farmland Trust’s slogan. Have you thought about “No Austin farmers, no Austin farmers’ markets”? The same is true for farmers’ markets anywhere.  Our SFC Farmers’ Markets in Austin, as well as partners like Texas Farmers’ Market, rely on producers having land access within ~150 miles of Austin to bring their products to market every week. 

 Losing Central Texas farms wouldn’t just hurt farmers’ markets in the region – it would limit support for food insecure communities. Federally-funded programs like Triple WIC, which triples shoppers’ monthly WIC benefits to take home more fruits and veggies, would disappear. SNAP incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks Texas would be limited to grocery stores. And those federal funds? They’d go to agribusinesses instead of the pockets of local farmers.

Farmland preservation isn’t just about nostalgia for fields of green. It’s about building a fair, resilient, and local food system where every farmer has the chance to thrive, and every family can access fresh, nutritious food.

What Can You Do to Protect Central Texas Land Access?

Preserving farmland in Central Texas takes all of us. Stay informed, support local farmers, and advocate for policies that protect land access. To learn more and join the movement, read the full report. Land Access: Toward Preserving Land in Central Texas for Regenerative Farming.

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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.

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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.

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