Shop Local – Sustainable Food Center https://sustainablefoodcenter.org Transforming the food system to nourish Texas health, land, and livelihood. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:55:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-favicon-2-32x32.png Shop Local – Sustainable Food Center https://sustainablefoodcenter.org 32 32 Farmers’ Market Food Safety & Quality https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/farmers-market-food-safety-quality/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:35:56 +0000 https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/?p=19528

Whether shrink-wrapped, freeze-dried, or in a sealed bag inside a sealed box, typical groceries are extensively packaged and preserved. For many grocery store shoppers, packaging and preservatives are seen as indications of food quality and safety, which might make the stacks of carrots out in the open and baked goods in paper bags at farmers’ markets seem risky by comparison. But in reality, small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food vendors follow a variety of quality-assurance and food safety guidelines. Here’s a look at what really happens behind the booth.

Producer-only markets

For the freshest farmers’ market foods, look for markets that describe themselves as “producer-only”. This description means that vendors have to grow or make what they sell themselves and can’t resell products made by someone else. While “producer-only” is a voluntary standard, markets who opt for this model usually have an inspection or farm visit system to ensure vendors are producing the goods they bring themselves.

SFC Farmers’ Markets

At Sustainable Food Center (SFC), our knowledge about market food safety comes from experience at our own markets. We operate two producer-only markets in Austin, SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown and SFC Farmers Market at Sunset Valley. SFC’s Farm Viability team makes in-person visits to farms selling fresh fruit and veggies, eggs, dairy, and meat. 

Farm visits help us ensure transparency in the supply chain and also give us a chance to connect with farmers more directly about their operations. There is so much variation in the Texas landscape and how it interacts with food production – from sandy soils needing a lot of amendments, to pastures that were previously overgrazed and are consequently dominated by thorny weeds. Awareness of the challenges small-scale farmers face informs SFC’s priorities in farmer advocacy and resources like SFC’s Farmer Newsletter. 

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Cottage Foods

Market goods that are lower risk for spoilage like jams, cookies, and bread made by small-businesses (earning less than $50,000 annually in revenue) are regulated under Cottage Food Law. Although this category exempts vendors from some permit requirements, cottage food vendors still have to register with the state, complete a basic food safety course, and comply with product labeling requirements. 

Labels are the main quality assurance mechanism for small-batch cottage foods. Labels must show the date the product was made, any ingredients associated with common allergies, and a disclaimer that the food isn’t subject to inspection. See full list of labeling requirements. Although cottage food operations aren’t inspected by the health department, they can be shut down by city or state health officials if it’s determined that products are putting community health at risk.

Eggs And Meat

Although eggs are higher risk for spoilage than cottage foods like jams, small-scale egg vendors don’t need inspections or permits to sell ungraded eggs. In eggs, “ungraded” means they haven’t been inspected or sorted into groups based on appearance. Egg grades are determined by factors like the appearance of the shell, egg yolk, and egg white. 

In Texas, all meat sold to the public must go through a state-approved processing center. No one is allowed to sell meat from an animal slaughtered at their home or farm. Other required permits for selling meat in Texas include a food handler’s license and a health permit from city, county, or state health departments.

Fresh, Local Foods

When it comes to locally grown fruits and veggies, most of the time permits aren’t needed to sell whole, fresh produce. That means you’re the inspector, and freshness that you can see, feel, and taste is the measure of quality. For questions about produce cultivation including pesticide use, farm sustainability, and location, you can ask the farmer who grew it at the time of purchase. 

Although there isn’t the same kind of paper trail on market produce as the “Grown in California” stickers on fruit at the grocery store, the ability to ask the grower directly about farming practices provides greater supply chain transparency for market produce than many larger-scale stores can offer. 

local food for every budget

As of September 2026, the price of food in the US has risen over 30% since 2020. Putting food on the table, let alone high-quality food, is a bigger challenge for Texas families than ever. SFC’s program Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas) supports fair access to high quality food by doubling SNAP benefits to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at over 100 Texas farmers’ markets and grocery stores. Plus, Double Up Texas boosts sales for Texas farmers and strengthens the local economy. That’s a WIN WIN WIN!

]]> Beefed Up Prices https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/beefed-up-prices-food-access-rancher-livelihood/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:30:37 +0000 https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/?p=19487

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.

]]> 2026 WIC Voucher Sites by Region https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/2026-wic-voucher-sites-by-region/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:34:05 +0000 https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/?p=18680

Central Texas

Collect your $30 value WIC Voucher Starting March 14

Farmers’ Markets

SFC Farmers' Markets Downtown: 422 Guadalupe St., Sunset Valley: 3200 Jones Rd., Sat. 9a-1p (9a-12p in Jul. & Aug.)

Central Texas Mobile Markets

Southeast Health and Wellness Center 2901 Montopolis Dr. Thurs. 10a - 12p

West Texas

Collect your $30 value WIC Voucher Starting April 4

Farmers’ Markets & Farm Stands

Juicy Lucy’s / Idalou Harvest 12206 East Hwy 63 Mon-Sat 10a-5p; Sun. 10a-4p
]]> Shop local at Texas farmers’ markets https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/shop-local-at-texas-farmers-markets/ Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:15:16 +0000 https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/?p=16927

Shopping local isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to nourish your family, support your neighbors, and care for the planet. In Texas, farmers’ markets are where you can connect directly with the folks who grow your food, raise your meat, and craft unique goods. It’s farm-fresh food, straight to your table.

At Sustainable Food Center (SFC), we’re proud to run two producer-only farmers’ markets in Austin: SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown and SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley. These vibrant community hubs bring you seasonal produce, handmade items, and even ways to make your SNAP dollars go further. Whether you’re shopping for fruits and veggies, local honey, or a loaf of artisan bread, you’ll find it all at SFC Farmers’ Markets.

Note: Sustainable Food Center runs the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown and SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley. We do not run Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller or Bell.

What does “shop local” really mean?

Shopping local is more than a buzzword—it’s about making meaningful choices that benefit your community.

When you buy local, you’re getting goods made or grown near you, like fresh veggies from nearby farms or handmade candles. Every purchase supports small businesses and keeps money in your neighborhood. It’s about helping your neighbors thrive while creating a stronger, more connected community.

At SFC Farmers’ Markets, your dollars go directly to farmers and artisans. This supports their livelihoods and ensures that Austin has a resilient, sustainable local food system. It’s a small act with big impact.

Why Shop local at texas farmer’s markets?

Farmers’ markets aren’t just places to shop—they’re where communities come together. Here’s why farmers’ markets in Texas, like SFC Farmers’ Markets, are worth a visit:

You’re Supporting Texas Farmers

Every dollar spent at an SFC Farmers’ Market goes directly to farmers and artisans. This helps keep their businesses running, protects farmland, and supports the next generation of local growers.

Fresher Food, Tastier Meals

Farmers’ market vendors bring produce picked at peak ripeness, often harvested just hours before the market opens. That means fresher, tastier, and more nutritious food for you and your family.

Building a Stronger Local Economy

Shopping at Texas farmers’ markets keeps money in your community. It creates jobs, supports small businesses, and helps Texas’s local economy grow.

A Greener Planet

Many small-scale Texas farmers use sustainable, regenerative practices. When you shop local, you’re reducing the environmental impact of your food by cutting down on transportation and supporting eco-friendly agriculture.

Strength in Community

Farmers’ markets create a network of support. They’re spaces where neighbors, farmers, and artisans connect and adapt together—strengthening our community in good times and bad.

Discover Farmers’ Markets in Texas

Why Choose SFC Farmers’ Markets?

SFC Farmers’ Markets aren’t your average farmers’ markets. We’re producer-only markets, which means every vendor grows, raises, or makes what they sell. When you shop with us, you’re buying straight from the source.

Our markets also go beyond shopping. They’re spaces where families gather, musicians perform, and kids play. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast tacos or learning about local food systems, there’s something for everyone at SFC Farmers’ Markets.

What is Double Up Food Bucks Texas?

Many Texas Farmer's Markets accept Double Up Food Bucks

If you use SNAP benefits, we’ve got great news. Through Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas), you can stretch your dollars further. For every SNAP dollar you spend, we’ll match it dollar-for-dollar (up to $30 per day) for fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s an easy way to bring more healthy food to your table while supporting local farmers. Learn more at doubleuptexas.org or call SFC’s Help Desk at (512) 730 – 1807. Se habla español.

Which Texas Farmers’ Markets Accept Double Up Food Bucks Texas?

Below is a list of farmers’ markets in Texas accepting Double Up Texas, arranged alphabetically.

Azle Farmers Market

  • Address: 225 Church Street, Azle, TX 76020
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: 1st & 3rd Saturday, 8AM-12PM (through December 7th)

Bridge Street Farmers Market

  • Address: 200 Bridge St., Waco, TX 76704
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-round, Wednesdays 5PM-8PM

Brownsville Farmers’ Market

  • Address: 1534 E 6th St., Brownsville, TX 78520
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-round, Saturdays 9AM-12PM

Chaparral Crossing Farmers Market

  • Address: 4601 Senda Ln., Austin, TX 78725
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per day
  • Hours: 1st Sunday, 10AM-1PM

Coppell Farmers Market

  • Address: 768 W. Main St., Coppell, TX 75019
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: $30 per day
  • Hours: Year-round, Saturdays 8AM-12PM

Cowtown Farmers Market

  • Address: 8901 Clifford St., White Settlement, TX 76108
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-round, Saturdays 8AM-12PM

Dallas Farmers Market

  • Address: 920 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: 50% off all SNAP purchases on fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Hours: Year-round, Saturday 9AM-5PM & Sunday 10AM-5PM

Elgin Farmers Market

  • Address: 109 Depot St., Elgin TX, 78621
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-round, Thursdays 4-7PM

For Oak Cliff Farmers Market

  • Address: 907 E. Ledbetter Dr., Dallas TX, 75216
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: April – December; 1st Saturday, 11AM – 2PM

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market

  • Address: 3304 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $15 per visit (Double Up and Bonus Bucks)
  • Hours: Sunday 9am-1pm (Oct-May) / 9am-12p (Jun-Sept)

Let’s Grow Crazy Farmers Market

  • Address: 500 SE 2nd Ave., Mineral Wells TX, 76067
  • Accepts: SNAP and WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: April to November, 1st & 3rd Saturdays 8AM-12PM

Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market

  • Address: 511 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401
  • Accepts: SNAP and WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: June to October; Saturdays 9AM – 1PM

McAllen Farmers Market

  • Address: 4001 N 23rd St., McAllen, Texas
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-Round; Saturday 10AM-1PM

Pearl Farmers Market

  • Address: 312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-Round; Saturday 9AM-1PM, Sunday 10AM-2PM

Rose City Farmers Market

  • Address: 221 S Broadway Ave., Tyler TX, 75702
  • Accepts: SNAP and WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Year-round, Saturdays 8AM-12PM

Saginaw Farmers Market

  • Address: 752 S. Knowles Dr., Saginaw, TX
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: 2nd & 4th Saturday, 8AM-12PM

SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley

  • Address: 3200 Jones Rd., Austin TX, 78745
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC EBT, & WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit (includes monthly WIC benefits and seasonal WIC Vouchers)
  • Hours: Saturdays 9AM – 1PM

SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown

  • Address: 422 Guadalupe St., Austin TX, 78701
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC EBT, & WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit (includes monthly WIC benefits and seasonal WIC Vouchers)
  • Hours: Saturday 9AM – 1PM

Smithville Sunday Market

  • 100 NW 1st St., Smithville, TX 78957
  • Accepts: SNAP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Sundays 10AM-1PM

Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell

  • Address: 200 South Bell Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX 78613
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit (includes WIC FMNP)
  • Hours: Saturday 9AM – 1PM

Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller

  • Address: 2006 Philomena St., Austin TX, 78723
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit (includes WIC FMNP)

Hours: Sunday 10AM – 2PM

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

  • Address: 500 Washington Ave., Waco, TX 76701
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Saturday 9AM – 1PM

Wichita Falls Farmers Market

  • Address: 807 Austin St. Wichita Falls, TX 76308
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP, Senior FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit
  • Hours: Jan.-April: 1st and 3rd Saturday 9AM-1PM / May-Oct.; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays 7:30AM-1PM / Oct.-Dec.; Saturday 9AM-1PM

Wolfforth Farmers Market

  • Address: 8924 County Road 7100, Wolfforth TX, 79382
  • Accepts: SNAP, WIC FMNP
  • Matching: $30 per visit

Hours: Saturday 10AM-2PM

Benefits for SNAP Users at Texas Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets that accept Double Up Texas make it easy for families to get fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies. With this program, you can turn $20 in SNAP benefits into $40 worth of local, farm-fresh food. It’s a great way to stretch your budget while eating nutritious meals.

But it’s not just families who benefit. Double Up Texas also helps local farmers and communities. When you shop at farmers’ markets, more money goes directly to farmers, keeping it in the local economy. This helps farms grow and succeed. It’s a win for everyone!

these features make SFC farmers markets unique

FAQs About Shopping at Texas Farmers’ Markets

What is a producer-only farmers’ market?

At producer-only markets like SFC Farmers’ Markets, vendors sell only what they grow, raise, or craft themselves. There’s no reselling, so you know exactly where your food and goods come from.

How do I prepare for a visit to the farmers’ market in Texas?

  • Check what’s in season. Seasonal knowledge helps you know what you’ll find at any Texas farmers’ market. Spring markets often feature strawberries and leafy greens, while summer has lots of tomatoes, peaches, and melons.
  • Make a list. Plan meals and decide what you need, but be flexible in case items sell out.
  • Bring your own bags. Reusable bags make it easier to carry your items.
  • Arrive early. Popular items sell out fast!
  • Try something new. Explore fresh foods you don’t usually eat.
  • Talk to vendors. Vendors love sharing tips, recipes, and stories about their products.

Are farmers’ markets in Texas seasonal or year-round?

It depends on the market. Some Texas farmers’ markets operate seasonally, where production is tied to harvest schedules. Others, like SFC Farmers’ Markets in Austin operate year-round, rain or shine, bringing you fresh produce and local goods no matter the season! Check with your local market to confirm its schedule.

What’s in season at SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Seasonal availability varies across Texas due to its size and diverse growing regions. Here’s a general guide:

  • Spring (March – May): Strawberries, kale, radishes, carrots, and leafy greens.
  • Summer (June – August): Tomatoes, peaches, melons, cucumbers, and squash.
  • Fall (September – November): Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and apples.
  • Winter (December – February): Oranges, grapefruit, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and winter greens.

Local markets will have the most accurate information about what’s in season in your area.

Is parking free at SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Many farmers’ markets across Texas offer free parking, but availability can depend on location. At SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley, there’s free parking in a lot right next to the market. At our Downtown location, you can park for free in a nearby garage with validation from the market’s information booth.

Is there an ATM at SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Not all farmers’ markets have ATMs, so it’s best to come prepared. Most vendors across Texas accept cash, but many now accept debit/credit cards, SNAP benefits, WIC vouchers, and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons. Some markets, including SFC Farmers’ Markets, also participate in the Double Up Food Bucks Texas program.

What forms of payment is accepted at SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Payment options vary, but most Texas farmers’ markets accept:

What are the Rules and Regulations at SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Each farmers’ market operates under its own set of rules, often guided by city regulations or organizational policies. For example, producer-only markets ensure vendors sell only what they grow or make. At SFC Farmers’ Markets, rules are outlined in a policy manual to create a fair and supportive environment for vendors and customers alike.

How do I bring an event or activity to SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Most farmers’ markets encourage community engagement through events or activities. Contact the market management team to learn more about hosting an event. For example, at SFC Farmers’ Markets, you can email farmersmarket@sustainablefoodcenter.org to explore opportunities.

I’m a musician. How do I play at SFC Farmers’ Markets?

Many Texas farmers’ markets welcome local musicians. Reach out to the market organizers for details. At SFC Farmers’ Markets, musicians can email farmersmarket@sustainablefoodcenter.org to inquire about performing.

Are farmers’ markets accessible and family-friendly?

Most farmers’ markets in Texas prioritize accessibility and welcome families. You’ll often find wheelchair-accessible pathways, shaded seating, and family-friendly activities like live music, kids’ crafts, and prepared food vendors. For example, SFC Farmers’ Markets offer a welcoming environment with plenty of activities for all ages.

Start Shopping Local at Texas Farmers’ Markets Today

When you shop at a farmers’ market, you’re doing more than buying groceries. You’re supporting local farmers, building a stronger community, and creating a healthier future for all.

Here’s how to start:

Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and discover the joy of shopping local. Together, we can grow a sustainable food system for everyone.

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