SFC Secures $8.7 Million to Expand Access to Fresh, Nutritious Food Across Texas through Double Up Food Bucks Texas
Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is proud to announce that it has secured an $8.7 million grant through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). SFC received the largest award in the nation and is the sole recipient in Texas. To maximize the impact, SFC is launching our Cultivate Change Campaign to raise a matching $8.7 million through support from donors in the community. Community support will be critical to securing the full $17.4 million investment over the next four years, making this a transformative moment for Texas agriculture and food access.
This funding will allow SFC to triple the number of grocery stores and farmers’ markets participating in its Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas) program, significantly expanding access to fresh, nutritious food for families in rural and urban communities across all 11 regions of Texas. The program, which matches the purchasing power of families using SNAP benefits, will boost sales for local farmers while helping Texans make nutritious choices.
“These investments answer the call to the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, which is an extension of the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that aims to end hunger and increase healthy eating,” the USDA NIFA announced on Friday.
“This is a transformative opportunity for Texas,” said Mark Bethell, CEO of SFC. “With this funding, not only will more families have access to fresh, affordable food, but Texas farmers will benefit from stronger local demand for their produce, building a more resilient food system.”
Expanding Reach and Impact Across Texas

This $17.4 million investment in Double Up Texas will enable SFC to partner with over 150 retailers, expanding the program’s reach into rural and urban communities where nutritious food access is often limited. The program will also directly support farmers and food producers by increasing sales, contributing to a more robust Texas agricultural sector. SFC aims to establish and build upon lasting partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the program beyond the four-year funding period.
“With USDA NIFA’s support, SFC will work closely with regional leads to tailor Double Up Texas to meet the needs of each community,” said Hannah Thornton, SFC’s Senior Director of Food Access and Education. “This localized approach allows us to leverage the expertise of regional partners, like Texas Health Resources, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, Brownsville Wellness Coalition, and Desert Spoon Food Hub. By tailoring Double Up Texas to meet the specific needs of different regions, we’re ensuring local farmers and businesses thrive, while making fresh food more accessible to families across the state.”
Proven Impact of Double Up Food Bucks Texas

Since launching Texas’ first SNAP incentive program in 2012, SFC has been a leader in promoting local food and supporting Texas farmers. Double Up Texas is integral to SFC’s mission of transforming Texas’ food system to nourish health, land, and livelihood.
In 2023 alone, Double Up Texas served over 34,000 SNAP households, increasing local food sales by $788,744 for Texas farmers and retailers. Additionally, in the past year, 194 Texas farmers saw increased sales due to Double Up Texas, with 278 farmers benefiting from 2022. Currently operating at 61 locations across the state, this new GusNIP funding will allow the program to expand to 150 locations, reaching even more communities and continuing to drive local economic growth.
Building a Healthier Future for Texas
The GusNIP grant will fund various initiatives, including the expansion of Double Up Texas at grocery stores and farmers’ markets, as well as enhancing culturally relevant nutrition education through SFC’s The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® program, ensuring families have the skills to prepare nutritious meals using local produce.
By increasing access to these services, SFC aims to provide lasting support to communities facing high rates of diet-related diseases and limited access to nutritious food. This investment will help address food insecurity, improve the health of Texas families, and create a more sustainable food system for future generations.
“Double Up Texas has grown because of dedicated partnerships, community input, and sustained advocacy,” said Simone Benz, Director of Policy and Advocacy at SFC. “The GusNIP grant allows us to continue working at the intersection of food access and local food economies, improving food security while creating greater opportunities for Texas farmers. It’s a win-win-win that proves we can create a more sustainable and thriving food system through targeted collaboration.”
SFC is committed to ensuring food access, supporting local economies, and building a healthier future for all Texans.