Sustainable Food Center

Claudia’s Story: La Cocina Alegre

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

27 years of Nourishing Community Health

For Claudia Peña, The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® (THK/LCA®) is so much more than a nutrition program. Twenty seven years and two grown children after taking her first THK/LCA cooking and nutrition class in 1999, Claudia is now an experienced course facilitator and a pillar in the SFC community. For Claudia and the Peña family, THK/LCA is a space to put values like community, sustainability, and wellness through nutrition into practice. “In the very first class, I realized that this was exactly what I needed,” Claudia said. “Because I was an immigrant in a different culture with a baby I wanted to feed in a healthy way.”

THK/LCA’s peer-facilitated classes (offered in both English and Spanish) are taught by people who share experiences or cultural backgrounds with class participants. Even though all THK/LCA classes across Texas follow the same lesson plan and cookbook, no two courses will be exactly the same because no two communities are the same. For Claudia, the opportunity to talk to other immigrants in Spanish about navigating American food systems helped her start nourishing herself and her family right away. Not after she learned English or passed a test, but right when she and her family needed nourishment.

They had a lot to talk about – American food systems and the culture around food in the US is different from what she grew up with in Mexico. There were the obvious things like speaking English and spending US dollars, but those were the things she expected. It was the little things that caught her off guard. “When I bought grapes and bananas at the store here, I asked, ‘Where are the seeds?’ because these fruits have seeds in Mexico,” Claudia said.

“Talking to so many different people from different countries, I learn from them. They say ‘You’re the teacher,’ but I say, ‘I’m learning’.”

Claudia Peña, LCA Facilitator

Nutrition from the Inside Out

Her body was feeling the absence of the little things, too. Dietary acculturation is the process of bacteria and microbes in the gut (gut microbiome) changing during and after immigration. In Mexico, Claudia and her community generally cooked what they ate using fresh ingredients and bought produce as it was seasonally available at local markets or on the trees in the neighborhood. “My sister has an avocado tree, my aunt has a mango tree, and we picked extra to share, and so did our neighbors. Many people have a fruit or nut tree and it’s common to share,” Claudia said.

By contrast, American food culture is dominated by ready-made, frozen, and fast-food meals and fresh produce that doesn’t change with the seasons. For many immigrants to the US, the increase in processed food consumption and decrease in the seasonal variety of fruits and veggies consumed after immigration contribute to higher risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Claudia knew she had to be intentional to avoid losing connection to her food, culture, and health, and she saw THK/LCA as an important tool to support her and her family.

Nourishing Family & Community

When Claudia’s first La Cocina Alegre course ended, she was invited to become a facilitator. Luckily for us, she accepted the invitation! Not long after she began facilitating LCA classes, Claudia’s son Rodrigo was born. “He immediately became part of the group, since the program provides space to attend with children,” Claudia said. Rodrigo was quite literally a born leader in the THK/LCA space. He grew up helping his mom first as a teacher’s aid during cooking and nutrition classes and later as a translator at mobile markets.

The chance to keep participating in THK/LCA with baby Rodrigo was important for Claudia, whose husband, Jose Ramon Peña, was deployed as a combat medic during OIF and OEF. “My children, alongside me, experienced a time of great support being part of SFC since my husband [was deployed] for several years. The program was an escape for me and also entertainment for the children, collaborating in the markets as translators and sellers with the farmers,” Claudia said.

Confidence in the Kitchen and Beyond

Feeling comfortable buying fresh fruit and vegetables that support your health needs is a key aspect of THK/LCA classes. Class facilitators provide information about farmers’ markets and farm stands in the area and highlight markets and grocery stores with food access programs. Class participants who receive nutrition assistance like SNAP and WIC can make the most of their benefits with SFC’s programs Double Up Food Bucks Texas (statewide), which doubles SNAP to spend on fresh fruits and veggies, and Triple WIC (SFC Farmers’ Markets only).

Reflecting on her 27 years of community cooking experience, Claudia said, “Talking to so many different people from different countries, I learn from them. They say ‘you’re the teacher,’ but I say, ‘I’m learning’.” Although THK/LCA courses last only six weeks, the lessons they offer about food, nutrition, and community last a lifetime. As Claudia said, “Simply put, this program is part of our [family’s] life.” With the help of community leaders like Claudia and the Peña family, SFC is cultivating a better food future where everyone can afford nutritious food from local farmers, the people stewarding Texas land.

Are you interested in hosting a THK/LCA class? Contact SFC’s Education Team at info@sustainablefoodcenter.org

The post Claudia’s Story: La Cocina Alegre appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

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.

The post National Peach Month appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

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.

The post 100 Double Up Sites Over Texas appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

The Happy Kitchen Launches in Houston

Anna-Kay Reeves — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:53:32 +0000

Sustainable Food Center Expands Free Cooking Classes from The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre® to Houston

The free, 6-week cooking and nutrition course (offered in Spanish and English) provides groceries at each class.

HOUSTON, Texas — Sustainable Food Center’s free nutrition education program The Happy Kitchen / La Cocina Alegre® (THK/LCA) is launching its first class series in the Houston market. The free, 6-week class teaches participants how to enjoy local produce in simple, affordable, and culturally relevant dishes.

Participants receive a bag of fresh ingredients at each class to practice recipes from the THK / LCA cookbook, Fresh & Seasonal Recipes, at home. Participants are encouraged to adapt THK/LCA recipes in order to manage their unique health needs and use ingredients that are seasonally and locally available.

THK / LCA’s expansion into Houston is part of SFC’s statewide expansion of its programs supporting affordable access to local food for every Texan.

“As one of the most diverse cities in the country, with over 145 languages spoken and a food scene that reflects authentic cuisines from around the world, Houston is a meaningful expansion for us,” 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.”

THK/LCA courses emphasize peer-to-peer learning through hiring class facilitators who previously took the course as participants and who have ties to the community where the class is offered. Peer learning is one way THK/LCA creates community networks that last long past the 6-week course

“I have a 26-year journey with SFC’s THK/LCA program,” said THK/LCA facilitator Claudia Pena. “In the very first class I realized that this was exactly what I needed… because I had a baby I wanted to feed in a healthy way. Then my second child was born and he immediately became part of the group, since the program provides space to attend with children.”

How to Participate

Classes are available with instruction in English or Spanish, and walk-in participants are welcome to join the course during the first three classes. It’s free to register for the Spanish or English class options.

About Sustainable Food Center

Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, advancing food access across Texas through local, community-driven solutions. Since 1975, SFC has strengthened local food systems, increased access to fresh and affordable food, and supported small-scale farmers through education, farmers’ markets, and public policy. SFC is the statewide lead and implementor of Double Up Food Bucks Texas.

The post The Happy Kitchen Launches in Houston appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

2026 WIC Voucher Sites by Region

Anna-Kay Reeves — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:34:05 +0000

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.)

Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos

SFC Staff — 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

SFC Staff — 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.

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

Texas Food Access Resource List: Support During the Federal Government Shutdown

SFC Staff — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:31:13 +0000

Following the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, many Texans are facing uncertainty about access to essential food resources. At Sustainable Food Center (SFC), our priority continues to be supporting Texas families and farmers with fair and affordable access to local food.

SFC Farmers’ Markets and Programs Remain Open

SFC Farmers’ Markets remain open every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM and continue to offer:

Triple WIC – three times monthly WIC benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables. WIC yellow market dollars do not expire.
Double Up Food Bucks Texas – double the value of SNAP benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables. Yellow Double Up Food Bucks and SNAP red market dollars do not expire.

Our Commitment to Families and Farmers

SFC’s focus remains supporting Texas families and farmers who depend on federally funded programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas) to put food on the table.

Food programs like SNAP and WIC and nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Texas not only support families bringing home more nutritious food but also support small-scale farmers by directing federal dollars into local food economies. Since January 2025, sales at Double Up Texas sites alone have generated over $200,000 worth of economic activity for Texas farmers’ markets through SNAP and Double Up Texas sales.

Food Access Resources Across Texas

Find below a regularly updated list of food access resources across Texas, including regional food banks and community organizations providing immediate food relief. This is not a complete list, and more help may be available in your area.

Statewide Tools

FindHelp.Org

Enter your zip code and browse the “Food” category to find resources near you.

211

211 is a non-emergency hotline that connects callers to social services in your area including food and childcare. Call 211 or visit 211texas.org. After choosing a language, select Option 1 to find resources and help in your community.

Texas Health and Human Services FAQ

Find answers to questions regarding how the federal government shutdown affects SNAP and other benefits in Texas.

Texas Health and Human Services Website & Your Texas Benefits Website

Updates about available SNAP benefits will be posted on the Your Texas Benefits website, Your Texas Benefits mobile app, and on the Texas Health and Human Services website. You can also call 2-1-1 to get the latest information.

Regional Food Access Resources

WEST Texas

High Plains Food Bank (Amarillo)

Lubbock Dream Center Resource Pocket Pal

United Way El Paso Resource List

Central Texas

Austin Public Library City Resource Hub

Central Texas Food Bank (Austin)

San Antonio Resource Directory

North Texas

North Texas Food Bank (Plano)

Tarrant Area Food Bank (Weatherford)

East Texas

East Texas Food Bank (Tyler)

Southeast Texas Food Bank (Beaumont)

South Texas

Coastal Bend Food Bank (Corpus Christi)

Food Bank of Rio Grande Valley (Pharr)

South Texas Food Bank (Laredo)

We’re Here for Texas Communities

SFC will continue to share updates as they become available. Together, we’ll keep nourishing our Texas communities with fresh, healthy, local food.

The post Texas Food Access Resource List: Support During the Federal Government Shutdown appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

Texas Doubles Down on Healthy, Local Food: Texas Legislature Makes Second Investment in Nutrition Incentives

Simone Benz — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:09:38 +0000

$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.

This legislative win didn’t happen by accident. It reflects years of dedicated advocacy, coalition-building, and hard work by SFC, our partners in the Double Up Texas Coalition, and community advocates across the state. It also reflects the power of public investment in food systems that work for families, for farmers, and for Texas.

We’re incredibly grateful to the state legislators who championed this funding and to all who helped make this success possible. This investment from the Texas Legislature is a huge step toward aligning Texas food systems with local, community-driven solutions. If you supported SFC previously as a donor or market shopper, you helped position SFC for this advocacy win. Your ongoing support ensures we can continue building SFC’s internal capacity to lead Texas in transforming the food system.

Together, we’re growing a healthier Texas. Change doesn’t happen overnight—we’re cultivating a better food future with one local food sale, one new Double Up Texas location, and one policy win at a time.

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

Resource Hub: Central Texas Flood Relief

Anna-Kay Reeves — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:16:43 +0000

Kerrville, Austin, and Central Texas: you are not alone. Deeply connected local systems exchange more than just food – we can also come together to share information and recovery resources. Check this page for a regularly updated list and links of Central Texas flood relief efforts.

Non-Profit relief funds

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund supports relief and rebuilding efforts after the flood of July 4, 2025. Your generosity helps our neighbors recover.

The Community Foundation – a 501(c)(3) public charity serving the Texas Hill Country – will direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your gift.

Austin Pets Alive: Volunteer or donate

Volunteer to drive to the hill country to pick up animals and/or bring supplies, support the intake, care and placement of onsite animals, and/or help accept and sort supplies onsite at APA! Sign up to emergency foster a dog or cat to make space for incoming animals. Make a monetary donation now to support displaced pets.

Central Texas Food Bank: Flood Relief response

Donate to support Central Texas Food Bank’s food and water distribution to affected communities.

Farmers supporting farmers

Texas Farmers’ Market: Ag Producer Support Fund

Texas Farmers’ Market Ag Producer Support Fund is a emergency grant to support food producers in times of crisis. Donate to the fund at the link above and apply for funds at Texas Farmers’ Market’s website.

Local Businesses

Radio Coffee & Beer: Matching in-store donations Up to $10,000

All Radio Coffee & Beer locations in Austin will match flood relief donations up to $10,000. All donations will go to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

Bufalina: $1 / glass of house wine (happy hour) all July

Both Bufalina locations will donate $1 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund for each glass of house wine sold during happy hour. Bufalina’s happy hour is 4-5:30 PM.

Good Juju Austin Flower Farm: 100% of Flower Sales all july

Available at Barton Creek Farmers’ Market.

Events Benefitting Flood Relief

Something In the Water Presents: David Ramirez and Greyhounds

July 25th at 7A Ranch in Wimberly, Texas. All proceeds to benefit flood relief. Tickets.

The post Resource Hub: Central Texas Flood Relief appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.