Food Access – Sustainable Food Center

Beefed Up Prices

Anna-Kay Reeves — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:30:37 +0000

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.

Double Up Fresh Bucks / Double Up Dólares Frescos

Sarah Collica — 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

Sarah Collica — 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.

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

Sarah Collica — 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.

Your SNAP x 5

Sarah Collica — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Your SNAP x 5 event is on March 15 at SFC Farmers’ Markets from 9 AM – 1 PM!

Looking to stretch your SNAP dollars? Come to Your SNAP x 5 at both SFC Farmers’ Market locations—Sunset Valley (3200 Jones Rd.) and Downtown (422 Guadalupe St.)—and multiply your benefits by 5!

Turn $10 into $50, $20 into $100, and $30 into $150 in fresh fruits and vegetables!

We’ll also have giveaways and music to make your shopping trip even better.

Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to get more for your SNAP benefits and enjoy a fun-filled day at the market!
Questions? Call our bilingual SFC Help Desk at (512) 730-1807, Mon.-Sat. 9 AM – 12 PM.