SFC & Community Happenings
A Letter From Our Executive Director
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
Last year, our agency invested in outside consultation to help us address the critical issues of farmland loss, east Austin displacement and environmental degradation given Austin’s explosive growth. As a result of this 9-month visioning session, and with input from a large number of our...
moreWalk or Bike to SFC on the Brand New Upper Boggy Creek Hike & Bike Trail!
Sari Albornoz, Grow Local Program Director
There’s a new way to get to Sustainable Food Center on bike or foot—the Upper Boggy Creek Hike and Bike Trail!
After more than ten years in the making, a stretch of hike and bike trail that runs alongside SFC’s Teaching Garden and the...
more2019 Legislative Session Wrap-up
Alex Canepa, Farmers' Market and Policy Advocacy
The Texas Legislature, which adjourned last week, delivered multiple wins for local agriculture and the fight against food insecurity. Three of...
moreWe're Almost There - Can You Help?
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
3 Food Bills That Just Might Become Law
Alex Canepa, Farmers' Market and Advocacy Manager
As the saying goes, “all politics is local.” That’s why grassroots advocacy is so important.
Last week, we were honored to take part in Local Foods Awareness Day at the Texas Capitol, hosted by our friends at the...
moreMoving Up: Two SFC Supported Bills Work Their Way Through the Texas Legislature
Alex Canepa, Farmers’ Market and Advocacy Manager
Over 30 Local Chefs Supporting Local Farms
In Austin, we are so fortunate to have a large variety of local restaurants to dine at every single week. Our growing city has become a culinary destination for tourists and residents alike. Better still, so many of these local restaurants and chefs are dedicated to supporting our local farmers....
moreTwo tasty events celebrate the best food in Austin
If you don't already have tickets to these foodie events, now is the time to buy yours — and save....
moreSpringing Forward at the Texas Capitol
Alex Canepa, Policy and Advocacy Manager
Spring has sprung at the Texas Capitol! The birds are chirping, the peach trees are blooming, and yours truly (Alex Canepa) is sweating buckets in a necktie. One thing we aren’t sweating is S.B. 776, a bill recently filed by state...
moreGrowing SNAP incentive programs in Texas
Alex Canepa, Policy and Advocacy Manager
As the old adage goes, “everyone does better when everyone does better.” One of the ways that we can do better here in Texas is by ensuring that all of our neighbors can access and afford nourishing food. Here at SFC, we think that “everyone” also includes farmers.
SNAP incentive programs...
moreGrowing Together: Highlights from the 2019 TOFGA Conference
Sayuri Yamanaka, Community Engagement Manager and Hilda Gutiérrez, Food Access Director
Last month we sent four staff members to the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (TOFGA) Conference. TOFGA is a statewide non-profit organization focused on education and advocacy for Texas farmers, ranchers,...
moreTexas Legislature Takes Up SFC Priority Bills
Alex Canepa, SFC Farmers' Market and Advocacy Manager
Share the Joy of Food!
We believe that sharing healthy food with others brings happiness to us all.
Some of our most cherished memories center around the tradition of sharing a meal with those we love. When we gather together around food, we share stories of our day, talk about our dreams for the future, and...
moreYou Can Help Us Build a Healthy Austin
“I am a mother, and a parent leader at Padron Elementary. So when I first heard about the Farm Stand, I got interested because it is a way that we can bring fresh food, not only to our own families, but to the whole community. This is a resource we can share.” - Yazmin
moreOur Valentine is... You!
This Valentine’s Day we are sending our love to… YOU! Because of the support of our incredible community, together we have been able to accomplish so many incredible things this fiscal year. In just the last 6 months, individuals like you have donated over $112,000 to support healthy, local...
moreWhat We'd Like to See in the 2019 Texas Legislative Session
Alex Canepa, SFC Farmers' Market and Advocacy Manager
Local farmers and ranchers are heading into the 2019 Texas Legislative Session with a hot hand. After winning key victories in the 2018 Farm Bill, we are setting our sights on advancing policies that further sustainable agriculture and food...
moreEngaging Community Leaders in Food Access
Simone Benz, Food Access Projects Manager
“I see myself in my customers,” Michelle expressed, as we wrapped up our third training for the community leaders who work with us as Promotoras and Facilitators for SFC’s Food Access projects.
Our Farm Stands project, as it has grown and...
moreResolve to Give Back and Help Us Meet our Goal!
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
What does health mean to you?
What does health mean to you? A healthy body, a healthy mind, a healthy family, a healthy planet... a healthy future?
No matter your definition, health is built through nutritious, sustainable food.
Now more than ever, you need to know where your food comes from and how it’s...
more2018 Farm Bill Update
Alex Canepa, SFC Farmers' Market Manager
After months of gridlock, Congress passed Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill represents a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the bill, and includes important wins for local agriculture and nutrition programs. The final bill more closely resembles the Senate version, which SFC joined...
moreGrow a Healthy Future this New Year
The divide between the rich and poor is rising, and poverty in our community continues to spread. Pushed out of their neighborhoods, low-income families are relocating to areas of Central Texas where healthy food is hard to find.
Access to healthy food is a basic human right - regardless...
moreCelebrate a Healthy Future
“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… the people who give you their food give you their heart.” - Cesar Chavez
The holiday season is a time to celebrate our friends and family, the gifts we have, and the food we share. We give our thanks to...
moreHow You Can Invest in a Healthier Outlook
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
I had a nightmare it was #GivingTuesday
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
I woke up this morning in a panic.
I dreamt it was #GivingTuesday and everyone here at Sustainable Food Center had forgotten about it. No emails were sent, no videos were made, and our social media had gone silent.
After a few ragged breaths, I calmed down and remembered:...
moreJoin Me in the Movement of Giving - GivingTuesday
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
Fresh for Less: Updates, Highlights and an Announcement!
Simone Benz, Food Access Manager
SFC’s Farm Stands, formally known as Fresh For Less Markets under the City of Austin Fresh For Less Initiative, are back in full swing with the start of the new school year!
Our...
moreCelebrate Food Day with 9 Steps to Reduce Food Waste
Alexandria Ancira, Intern for The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre®
Tuesday, October 16 was World Food Day, a day created to honor the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945! This year’s theme is dedicated to making the world a...
moreAction Alert: The Farm Bill
This is it. It’s make or break time for the 2018 Farm Bill. Only a few days remain for Congress to finish a new bill or pass a temporary extension of the old one. Either way, farmers and communities are counting on action. What’s at stake?
● Hands-on training and tools for beginning...
moreWelcoming New Staff to SFC!
[Pictured above: Mia Burger and Alex Canepa]
We are delighted to welcome new team members to our SFC community!
moreDonate Fresh Food for the Residents of Posada Esperanza
Posada Esperanza, the family shelter of Casa Marianella, needs your help to bring more fresh, wholesome...
more5 things you need to know about the Farm Bill
Alex Canepa, Farmers' Market and Advocacy Manager
Farm Bill Update from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Summer Meeting
Joy Casnovsky, Deputy Director
Pictured: Joy Casnovsky at Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands in Seattle, during the NSAC summer meeting.
morePedal to Beat Breast Cancer!
Molly Costigan, The Happy Kitchen Program Manager
The Texas Mamma Jamma Ride is a local non-profit dedicated to helping those facing breast cancer and their families, and we are thrilled to be one of the beneficiaries of this year’s ride.
For many people, Sustainable Food Center may not be...
moreWill You Join the Fight?
This might shock you. More than 1/2 of the fresh fruit and nearly 1/3 of the fresh vegetables sold in America today are imported from other countries.
Imported food travels great distances, causing environmental harm from carbon emissions and pollution. By the time it reaches your plate,...
moreWill You Fight For Good Food?
Did you know that only 1 in 10 American children eat enough fruits and vegetables, and one-third are overweight or obese?
Cheap, processed foods lead to obesity and diet-related disease. But if people can’t afford fresh, healthy produce, they can’t buy it.
...
moreGet Inspired & Give Back with SFC Business Retreats
Naomi Silverman, Development & Marketing Coordinator
Is your team is kicking off a health initiative, and you want to introduce healthy eating in a fun, approachable way?
Perhaps you are encouraging company camaraderie, and want to boost morale and help your team bond in a welcoming environment.
Or you might just need a break from...
moreVolunteering with the "Schwabbies"
Naomi Silverman, Development and Marketing Coordinator
At Sustainable Food Center, we have something for everyone: SFC Farmers’ Markets every weekend for people who want to buy fresh, local produce, cooking and gardening classes for folks looking to learn new skills, and even...
moreAnnouncing Our New Facebook Group - Come Fresco y Sano!
Sara Law and Sayuri Yamanka
You might have noticed in the past year and a half that we have a new Spanish language version of our website and more bilingual signage at our SFC Farmers’ Markets. These changes...
moreHow Interpretation Services Benefit Our Community
Lucinda Ugarte, Grow Local Education Coordinator
Twice a year our Grow Local program holds a Resource Giveaway Day through our Spread the Harvest project. Recently, we have begun to provide...
moreVote NO on the 2018 Farm Bill
The House of Representatives is poised to vote on the 2018 Farm Bill in the coming days, and folks, this bill is bad. Here’s just a sampling:
- Local food – The House bill abandons local farmers by cutting all funding for several programs...
In Memory of Susan DeMarco
Alex Canepa, SFC Farmers' Market Manager
Last week America lost a populist leader and Austin lost one of our best neighbors and friends.
Susan DeMarco was born to an Italian-American family in New Jersey, where she...
moreFarm to Work has a Fresh New Look
Adrienne Haschke, Farm Direct Projects Manager
We are thrilled to unveil the new Farm to Work icon!
With roots dating back to 2007, Farm to Work began through a partnership with Sustainable Food Center, the...
moreAdvocating for Texas Farmers in The Farm Bill
Alex Canepa and Joy Casnovsky
Every five years Congress sits down to write what is colloquially referred to as “Farm Bill,” a piece of legislation that governs farm production, rural development, and many nutrition programs....
moreAnnouncing Our New Volunteer Reward Program!
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Manager
At Sustainable Food Center, we are working to create a more direct way to thank volunteers for all the time, love, attention, and devotion they give to our three main programs. From Saturday mornings at our...
moreOrtega Elementary's Citrus Fundraiser: Past, present, and future
Danika Trierweiler, Farm Direct Projects Associate
In early 2014 Alejandra Mireles, a teacher at Ortega Elementary in East Austin, came to SFC with two questions; “Why aren’t we promoting healthful foods through school fundraisers?” and “What can we do about it?”. We put our heads together to consider school nutrition goals and SFC resources,...
moreHealthy food is a human right.
Did you know heart disease is responsible for approximately 1 in 4 deaths in the United States each year? A poor diet caused by lack of access to healthy food is a major contributor to this chronic disease and impacts our low-income communities the most.
That’s why we're asking for your...
moreConquer The Holidays: Gain Wisdom, Not Weight
Sponsored Post
The holidays... (is it that time already?!?!) are a wonderful time to spend with the people you love and cherish. They also, however, can be a time of stress, chaos, too much travel and way too much eating and drinking.
It IS possible to enjoy yourself and not feel utterly disgusted by how...
moreVolunteer Spotlight: Stella Harper
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Manager
We have said it once and we will say it again, volunteers help make our work possible! Every year volunteers give time, attention, and support to SFC Programs. From work in our office, gardens, farmers’ markets, and in the kitchen, volunteers help lighten the load.
A current rock star...
moreHispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference
Joy Casnovsky, Deputy Director
In mid-September, SFC staff had the opportunity to attend the Hispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference: Growing Together/Creciendo Juntos held in McAllen, Texas. NCAT (National Center for Appropriate...
moreBack to School with Local Food
Danika Trierweiler, Farm Direct Projects Associate
For Farm to School, the fall is a time of transition. Students are back in the classroom preparing for a semester of growing minds and farmers are back in the fields preparing for a season of growing food. We here at Sustainable Food...
moreHurricane Harvey Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
To Our Farmers and Ranchers -
In the aftermath of last week’s hurricane and flooding, we are trying to sort through and make sense of resources that may be important to you, your family and your business.
The poster below from the USDA outlines initial Flood Recovery Assistance...
moreThe Impact of Volunteers
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Manager
What can we say? Volunteers make the work we do at SFC possible! At SFC our mission is to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. Volunteers give their time week after week to support this mission. From Fridays in...
moreOh What a Year! SFC Impact in 2016-2017
Robin O'Neil, Grants Manager
Over the past fiscal year (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017), we have seen growth in a number of meaningful areas. Our partnerships, including collaborations with the health care sector and with organizations outside of the Austin urban core, have expanded. Our...
moreSummer Fun with SFC and Creative Action
Molly Costigan, The Happy Kitchen Program Manager
For the third year in a row, we partnered with our neighbors at Creative Action for some summer camp fun. During two weeks in June, we co-hosted summer camp for kids ages 5-9. Campers made seed-to-plate connections and experimented with new vegetables...
moreOn Learning Path
Robin O'Neil, Grants Manager
As a nonprofit with a big mission and a narrow budget, we take pride in accomplishing everything we’re able to do at Sustainable Food Center. And if you didn’t know,...
moreAnnouncing a Staff Transition at SFC
For over twelve years, Andrew Smiley, SFC Deputy Director, has served the local food community through his work with Sustainable Food Center, which is part of a career that spans 25 years, so far. His experiences with food and agriculture, both personal and professional, began early in his life...
moreIntroducing our new SFC Fotonovela!
Sara Tennison Law Food Access Coordinator, Double Dollars
We are excited to announce the release of our SFC Fotonovela, an educational tool designed with Spanish speakers...
moreUpdate on 85TH Texas Legislature
Joy Casnovsky, SFC Policy Lead
The 85th Texas Legislative Session has been a tough one, with very few of the bills we support getting traction. For a more in-depth description of each bill, read our past blog post, "...
moreFotonovela Press Conference at Expo-Amigha
Our Fotonovela is a collaborative effort between Sustainable Food Center, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman, Latino Health Care Forum and...
moreTAKE ACTION to SUPPORT the Young Farmers & Military Veterans Bill
At this point in the session, any bill that has not at least gotten a committee hearing has no real chance of passing. Only one bill (HB 950/SB 330) that we support has gotten a hearing and we need help getting this bill to the finish line! For additional information about this bill, visit...
moreCelebrating Volunteer Month!
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Coordinator
Did you know April is National Volunteer Month?
At Sustainable Food Center we rely on the support of our rock star volunteer team!
Volunteers have given a collective 1800+ hours in the past year to support our SFC Farmers’ Markets. Every week about 27 volunteers help keep SFC...
moreAction Alert - Texas Senate Bill 1172
Texas Senate Bill 1172 would prevent cities and counties from regulating any seed “in any manner, including planting seed or cultivating plants grown from seed.” The language about “cultivating” means that it’s not just about the seeds themselves, but the things the farmers use to grow the...
moreSFC and the Junior League of Austin
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Coordinator
We are thrilled to be in our fourth year of partnership with the Junior League of Austin (JLA). This relationship places hard-working Junior League volunteers at our largest outward facing program - SFC Farmers’...
moreSFC's Double Dollars Program is Growing!
Sara Law, Food Access Coordinator, Double Dollar Incentive Program
The SFC Double Dollars program is the first of its kind in Texas. This Sustainable Food Center program started at one of our weekly markets in 2012, where we offered a dollar for dollar match for SNAP, WIC and Farmers’ Market...
moreWhat's in store for the year ahead
Becca Montjoy, Communications Director
As 2016 came to a close, we here at Sustainable Food Center reflected on the year behind us and the changes that lie ahead. We are looking forward to a year of renewed resolve as we all come together in our work to grow a sustainable and just local food system that benefits us all.
All...
moreTexas Farm to School Round Up Farmer Scholarships to TOFGA's 2017 Conference
Sustainable Food Center is a longtime sponsor of the annual Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Conference, and is proud to announce the availability of Texas Farm to School Round Up Farmer Scholarships to attend the 2017 pre-conference Farm to School workshop and the two day...
moreYou can plant the seeds for a healthy future.
Right now, all across Austin, there are children who are struggling. Many live in areas without safe outdoor space or access to healthy fruits and veggies.
Without these things, kids are unhealthy and lack the ability to develop the skills they need to feel strong and...
moreGive the Gift of Local Food
Becca Montjoy, Communications Director
The holiday season is here, which means it's time to start shopping! But the holidays don't mean you have to fight the frenzy at your local department or grocery store. There are many ways to keep your holiday gatherings, gifts and meals sustainable. Check out these ideas for how you can have a...
moreMillennials: A Fresh Take on Agriculture
Emma Russell, Development and Communications Intern
Millennials are quickly finding their niche in the agricultural field; whether it be as farmers, communicators, leaders, teachers, motivators. This group of individuals contains the largest cohort who have lived in an almost entirely digital age, while also being the most educated and diverse...
moreDía de los Muertos: Building Community through Food Traditions
Jayme Bisbano and Sara Law
This past Sunday, we held our Annual Appreciation Event at Sustainable Food Center, where we celebrated the support that our incredible facilitators, Farm to School Ambassadors, board members, and volunteers provides us. Despite our different backgrounds, our community was formed through our...
moreSFC and Texas Episcopal Service Corps- a Match Made in Food Heaven
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Coorindator
SFC has entered into its second year of partnership with the Texas Episcopal Service Corps. SFC has the pleasure of hosting a fellow for 11 months of service. Texas...
moreCelebrate National Farm to School Month in October
October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate connections happening all over the country between schools and local food!
Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education...
moreSFC Rounds Up Farm to School Scholarships for Farmers
Andrew Smiley, Deputy Director
Sustainable Food Center is a longtime sponsor of the annual Food and Farm Leadership Conference, and has been involved in Farm to School programming since 2006 with the development of our Sprouting Healthy Kids program. SFC was pleased to announce the availability of Texas Farm...
moreBecome an SFC Farm to School Ambassador
Lacy Garner, SFC
Another school year is underway for all AISD students and staff, which means another year of Farm to School – and we need your help!
We are very excited about our growing efforts with the AISD Food and Nutrition Services team to help procure and promote healthy, local fruits and...
moreAction Alert! Contact your City Council person and urge them to support the Austin Healthy Food Access Initiatives!
On March 3, 2016, City Council passed Resolution 20160303-020, which directed the City Manager to 1) develop recommendations for improving access to fresh, healthy and affordable food, and 2) provide a status update on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment, as well as...
moreAN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO RACIAL JUSTICE
Carolina Mueller
“When we acknowledge that racial inequity exists in our community and involves us all, we can strive to ensure that, first, our work does not perpetuate racial inequity, and second, that our work instead helps to build a more racially equitable community.”- Sari Albornoz, Grow Local Program...
moreTexas Mamma Jamma Ride
Joy Casnovsky
September 24, 2016 marks the 8th year of the Mamma Jamma Ride. The Ride raises much needed funds for our agency and eight other local non-profits dedicated to helping Central Texans coping with breast cancer. Some...
moreSFC’s Annual Appreciation Event
Paula Arciniega and Katie Pace
Katie Pace
This past Sunday, we celebrated the many amazing people who make our programming possible, from the volunteers who staff our information booths at markets to the ambassadors who bring local food to schools, the interns who assist with summer camps, the facilitators who teach our...
moreThank You to Our Wonderful Volunteers!`
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Coordinator
In honor of National Volunteer Week we want to say “thank you” to our volunteer team. With you we have accomplished wonderful things!
moreEat, Shop & Play
Becca Montjoy, Communications Director
April is a big month of activity for us here at SFC. We have a lot of exciting events coming up that you can participate in to help support all of our community programs. From celebrations of local food & beer to a picnic for the kids, we've got something for everyone nearly every week this...
moreHealthy Community Food Systems
Mary Karcher
The Sustainable Food Center invites you to participate in The Healthy Community Food Systems training module. This online training course introduces communities to improvements in the way they grow, share, and prepare food.
There is little wide-spread knowledge about the food system and...
moreCooking Up Great Taste
SFC’s The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® promotes food justice and access to healthy food by training community members to lead classes within their own communities, like Greater Mt. Zion Church, who has hosted classes since 2008. Read on to learn why many participants sign up for our...
moreHealthy Food is for Everyone
Imagine you are a parent desperately wanting to provide healthy food for your family. You must have the time, money, and transportation to purchase food to put on your table at home.
Some of us take these resources for granted, but many of our neighbors experience barriers to buying...
moreThank You!
As the season for giving thanks is upon us, we want to say thank you to all our friends for your support of local, healthy and sustainable food. Your interest and dedication to the good food movement helps build a healthier future for everyone in our community, and benefits our programs in...
moreSFC Farmers' Market Volunteers
Paula Arciniega, Volunteer Coordinator
What makes up a great farmers’ market? Farmers, ranchers, fresh veggies, live music, and don’t forget volunteers! About 40% of our volunteer team give their time to support your SFC Farmers’ Markets. With a total of more than 700 volunteer hours in the past year, our market volunteers are a...
moreSFC's Grow Local Volunteers
Katie Pace, SFC's Grow Local Education Coordinator
From our classes and trainings to Spread the Harvest and the Teaching Garden, all of SFC's Grow Local programs depend on the work, support and insight of volunteers. Each planting season, SFC's Grow Local offers free, introductory food gardening classes at apartment complexes, schools, community...
moreVolunteer Spotlight: Blanca Zelaya
Joy Casnovsky, SFC's The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® Program Director
Blanca Zelaya has been volunteering with SFC for five years. Since we moved into our building two years ago, she has been an active addition as a Kitchen Assistant Volunteer. Read on to learn more about what inspires Blanca to volunteer--
...
moreFresh and Local: Building the Brand
Andrew Smiley
The message is simple; the call to action is embedded right there in the logo – Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Texas. Chances are good that you’ll begin spotting this image printed on banners and cards, shared through social media and even popping up on your mobile device very soon. The Buy Fresh...
moreKealing Middle School’s Neighborhood Stories Project
Bianca Bidiuc
This week, we’d like to share a food story from the neighborhood. In 2014, Kealing Middle School students embarked on a Neighborhood Stories Project (NSP) to get to know long-time residents in the Kealing area. The project started because of the Kealing school garden and its wide-reaching impact...
moreHealthy Eating for the Whole Family with Round Rock ISD
Here at SFC, we love our work with kids. By promoting Farm to School, cafeteria orders at local schools, we see kids connecting with their food in new and different ways all the time. Sometimes, farmers...
moreOctober is National Farm to School Month!
Evan Driscoll
October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate connections happening all over the country between schools and local food!
Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education...
moreLocal Foods in Schools Made Possible by Nutrition Policy – learn more and take action today!
Andrew Smiley
The much politicized nutrition standards for school meals are deemed by some to be overreaching and ineffective, while proponents see them as meaningful goals that promote healthy lifestyles. One perspective is that the school lunchroom serves as another classroom on campus, with food and...
moreCelebrate Mexico’s Independence with Mole Poblano de Guajolote
Hilda Gutierrez
Photo sourced from: https://whydyoueatthat.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/day-15-mole-poblano-de-guajolote/
On September 16, 1810 Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a criollo...
moreAction Alert!
Joy Casnovsky
Council Member Ora Houston has proposed re-instating the previous rates for Temporary Food Establishment permits. This would more than triple the cost ($35 to $96) to host or participate in a not-for-profit organized or fundraising event with food. Please...
moreInternship Review
Olivia Cason
Olivia Cason is beginning her sophomore year at St. Edward’s University and completed a summer internship with SFC as part of a partnership between St. Edward’s and H-E-B. In an earlier blog, Olivia...
moreMamma Jamma Ride and Sustainable Food Center
Joy Casnovsky
September 26, 2015 marks the 7th year of the Mamma Jamma Ride, and for 7 years, Sustainable Food Center has been a beneficiary of this wonderful event. The Ride raises...
morePoems from Camp
Molly Costigan
We had a wonderful week co-hosting summer camp with our neighbors at Creative Action, and we’re pretty sure the campers had as much fun as we did.
With SFC’s Grow Local and Farm Direct programs, they built trellises in the garden, visited the SFC...
moreSummer Field Trip Wrap-up
This summer marked our second year of half-day SFC field trips for local summer camps. We hosted 13 field trips (up one from last year!), and we were extra excited to be able to offer additional field trip scholarships this year. This year, seven of the field trips were from camps who serve...
moreWelcome Sophie Fitzpatrick
Join us in welcoming Sophie Fitzpatrick to SFC’s The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre®! It’s been two years since SFC moved into its headquarters in Central East Austin, and given the increase in cooking classes...
moreSummer Camp with SFC's Farm Direct Program
Lacy Garner
For weeks now, the courtyard in front of the SFC office has been abuzz with the fun sounds and sights of kids participating in various summer camps. Some of these camps are visiting us for the half day...
moreFood Story: Jasmine Roussell
Carolina Mueller
Here at Sustainable Food Center, we know that food inspires and transforms lives. To honor those experiences, we are collecting food stories from folks around the community. In celebration of learning, healing and inspiring, here is Jasmine’s story:
Jasmine grew up in the Northeast with...
moreHappy Graduation! Looking for a food job?
Bianca Bidiuc
To all of the graduating students at University of Texas Austin and beyond, we wish you a happy graduation and best wishes on your future plans. We hope you will find a fulfilling next endeavor! For those of you who are interested in a job related to sustainable food systems, we want to...
moreSFC Farmers' Market Director Featured in the Austin American-Statesman
Our very own SFC Farmers' Market Director, Suzanne Santos, was featured in the Austin-American Statesman. The article explores Suzanne's life, her work, and her passion for sustainability.
Suzanne will be retiring from SFC this year, and we will miss her greatly. If you would like to learn...
moreSummer Camp with SFC and Creative Action
Molly Costigan
Do you know any kids ages 5-9 who are looking for some fun this summer? Send them to camp with us!
SFC and our neighbors, Creative Action, are co-hosting a full week of summer camp from August 3-7, 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
Camp will include all the...
moreSFC's Happy Kitchen Punchcard Roundup
We love seeing you in the kitchen and can’t wait for all the great classes coming up this spring! Remember to bring your punchcards to class with you when you come. What is a punchcard you ask? A punchcard is your ticket to a free cooking class with SFC's The Happy Kitchen*. If your punchcard is...
moreFood Story: Justin Humphrey
Carolina Mueller
Here at Sustainable Food Center, we know that food inspires and transforms lives. In the spirit of honoring those experiences, we are collecting food stories from folks around the community. In celebration of spring, fresh vegetables, and new beginnings, here is Justin’s story:
Justin was...
moreVolunteer Spotlight: Kathy Bentz
Molly Costigan
The Happy Kitchen, and SFC as a whole, is truly grateful to have the support of so many wonderful volunteers. Volunteer help staff the farmers’ markets, assist during cooking classes, work in the garden, lead SFC activities at health fairs, and so much more.
One of our recent rock star...
moreRoadrunner Outdoor Adventure Bus
Bianca Bidiuc
We're pleased to announce an exciting new project being developed by our friends at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center....
moreMovin' and Shakin' the SFC Farmers' Market East!
Suzanne Santos
We’re shakin’ and movin’ at our new home for the SFC Farmers’ Market East this Tuesday, March 3rd, to the beat of Choctaw Wildfire, a ‘must see’ Austin trio consisting of piano, upright bass and drums with honky tonk tunes that can...
moreSummer Camp with SFC and Creative Action
Molly Costigan
SFC and our new neighbors, Creative Action, are calling all kids ages 5-9 to join us for a week of summer fun from August 3-7!
Camp will include all the art, drama, and imagination of a Creative Action camp, plus lots of time in the kitchen and...
moreThanks to Our Partners at First Connect Insurance!
We are pleased to share some exciting news with you about a new partnership that we have established with First Connect Insurance Services. First Connect is an Austin-based auto insurance provider with a mission to give back to...
moreFood is family.
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
Access to fresh, healthy food is a basic human right. But for thousands of individuals like Marquel, being able to afford fresh fruits and vegetables is just out of reach.
SFC’s Double Dollar Incentive Program (DDIP) allows families like Marquel’s to visit SFC Farmers’ Markets and double...
moreWhy We Ride
As we gear up for another Mamma Jamma Ride on Sept 27, 2014, we wanted to share why it’s so important to us to partner with this amazing organization. The ride raises much needed funds for our agency and nine other local non-profits...
moreBike for Food!
Food Day inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Every October 24th, thousands of events all around the country bring Americans together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies. This year, as part of Food Day in Austin, the City of Austin’s...
moreSimone Benz Awarded SFC Golden Trowel Award
Andrew Smiley, SFC Deputy Director
SFC issued the September 2014 Golden Trowel Award to Simone Benz, Community Outreach Coordinator. Simone also serves as Food Sector Manager with the GO! Austin / VAMOS! Austin(GAVA) place-based health initiative, of which SFC is a...
moreMolly Costigan Awarded SFC Golden Trowel
SFC issues its Golden Trowel Award to staff members who "dig deep" to make the mission happen, going above and beyond, exceeding a goal, meeting extreme challenges, or demonstrating our core values in an exemplary way. Ronda Rutledge, SFC Executive Director, first received this award from our...
moreGaining New Skills in the Happy Kitchen
by Molly Costigan, The Happy Kitchen Program Coordinator
One of the many perks of having a kitchen of our own is that we can now invite participants in the free six-week community classes to join us at SFC for follow-up classes. On June 25th, we hosted our third knife skills class just for past participants in the series. Unlike the series, these...
morePrecious Resource: Water Conservation Class
by Ellen Orabone, Grow Local Teaching Garden Coordinator
Grow Local gardeners spent a recent Saturday morning getting their hands dirty in the SFC Teaching Garden and learning about water conservation techniques for home gardens. Because we are in a drought, water-saving practices are important in every aspect of our daily lives, whether we’re...
moreAlice Waters: A Garden At Every School
Seventeen years ago, Alice Waters took a closer look at the neglected schoolyard she passed every day in Berkeley, California. In an interview in the local newspaper, she remarked that it looked like no one cared about it. The school’s principal, Neil Smith, read these words about Martin Luther...
moreGarden Grand Opening
On Earth Day, SFC celebrated the official Grand Opening of the St. David's Foundation Community Garden and JP's Peace, Love & Happiness Teaching Garden. From a seed of an idea, thanks to the generosity and support of St. David's Foundation, John Paul DeJoria and JP's Peace, Love &...
moreSFC Program Replication
Let’s work together to change our food system—one community at a time!
Interested in bringing Grow Local, Farm Direct, The Happy Kitchen, or Sprouting Healthy Kids to your community? Sustainable Food Center announces our Program Replication Training, to be held in June in Austin,...
more2014 Farm to Plate Chefs Announced
At this year's Farm to Plate, in The Land of Green, the best-of-the best from Austin’s culinary world will be serving up tastes and samples of creations inspired by the local, seasonal abundance from our farming and...
moreMeet the New Farm Bill
In the US, the Farm Bill is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the federal government, and includes legislation on a wide swath of food-related items, including food assistance benefits and subsidies for corporate farmers growing commodity crops. The bill is reviewed, debated and...
moreCultivating a Market Garden in the Schoolyard
Tara Fisher-Muñoz arrived at SFC's grand opening already buzzing with excitement. With infectious enthusiasm, she introduced herself to Grow Local Teaching Garden Coordinator Ellen Orabone, eager to share stories about a new program she's involved in at Wells Branch Elementary. Tara, a parent...
moreAnnual Volunteer Appreciation 2013
This year saw 642 active volunteers at Sustainable Food Center. That’s right. SIX HUNDRED AND FOURTY TWO volunteers donated their time to being in the office, at the SFC Farmers’ Markets, conducting nutritional demonstrations, and so much more.
How do we recognize these amazing folks? We...
moreUrban Farm Code: The City Council Decides
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
The Code and Metrics working group of the Austin/Travis County Sustainable Food Policy Board worked long and hard to advocate for urban agriculture. I want to thank both Paula McDermott, who chaired the board during this important time as well as Katherine Nicely, who co-chaired the working...
moreCooking Up Something Powerful
Something powerful happens when women get together in the kitchen. They share resources, skills, and stories, and create something more than just what goes on the table. Recently, facilitators from The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® were joined in the SFC kitchen by members of Les Dames...
moreIt's About Food Sovereignty
Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director
America’s food system is in crisis. Industrial agriculture has caused environmental degradation on a massive scale, and corporations pushing processed foods have encouraged widespread sickness and obesity in children and adults. Every effort should be made to return power over the food system to...
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