SNAP Archives - 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.

Your SNAP X 5 at Texas Farmers Market

developer — Sun, 24 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

SFC Farmers’ Markets Multiply SNAP Benefits to Feed Families and Pay Farmers

SFC Farmers’ Market shoppers can stretch their SNAP benefits further at Your SNAP X 5 on Sunday, May 24. In addition to a wide range of local food vendors, both SFC Farmers’ Market locations will host live music and children’s activities.

At both SFC Farmers’ Market locations, SNAP shoppers can receive five times the value of their benefits up to $150 to buy more local fruits and vegetables. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that supports consistent access to nutritious food for low-income households.

By multiplying SNAP benefits at the farmers’ market, Your SNAP X 5 both increases affordable access to local food and increases sales for small-scale farmers.

SNAP is multiplied through Sustainable Food Center’s (SFC) Double Up Food Bucks Texas program. Double Up Food Bucks never expire and can be spent at any participating location.

How to Multiply your SNAP X 5
It’s free and easy for SNAP shoppers to multiply benefits. Shoppers can visit the market information booth with their SNAP EBT / Lonestar Card and choose how much SNAP to multiply. No additional registration or paperwork necessary. SNAP shoppers can spend their baseline monthly benefits on local produce and a variety of market products, including:

Dairy
Eggs
Bread
Meat
Plants that produce food

After a shopper’s baseline SNAP is multiplied by five, the bonus benefits can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables with local vendors. Double Up Texas and Your SNAP x 5 increase the consumption of fresh, nutrient-dense produce.

While Your SNAP X 5 is one day only, the Double Up Food Bucks Texas program runs at SFC Farmers’ Markets and 80 market and grocery store locations across Texas. Double Up Texas and Your SNAP X 5 is made possible thanks to funding from USDA NIFA.

The post Your SNAP X 5 at Texas Farmers Market appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

Your SNAP X 5 at Texas Farmers Market

developer — Sat, 23 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

SFC Farmers’ Markets Multiply SNAP Benefits to Feed Families and Pay Farmers

SFC Farmers’ Market shoppers can stretch their SNAP benefits further at Your SNAP X 5 on Saturday, May 23. In addition to a wide range of local food vendors, both SFC Farmers’ Market locations will host live music and children’s activities.

By multiplying SNAP benefits at the farmers’ market, Your SNAP X 5 both increases affordable access to local food and increases sales for small-scale farmers.

SNAP is multiplied through Sustainable Food Center’s (SFC) Double Up Food Bucks Texas program. Double Up Food Bucks never expire and can be spent at any participating location.

Dairy
Eggs
Bread
Meat
Plants that produce food

The post Your SNAP X 5 at Texas Farmers Market appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

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.

Your SNAP X 5

Anna-Kay Reeves — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

SFC Farmers’ Markets Multiply SNAP Benefits to Feed Families and Pay Farmers

SFC Farmers’ Market shoppers can stretch their SNAP benefits further at Your SNAP X 5 on Saturday, June 14. In addition to a wide range of local food vendors, both SFC Farmers’ Market locations will host live music and children’s activities.

By multiplying SNAP benefits at the farmers’ market, Your SNAP X 5 both increases affordable access to local food and increases sales for small-scale farmers. Without in-school meals, summer can be a challenging season for food security.

“As the school year ends, Your SNAP x 5 provides an opportunity for families to purchase more fruits and vegetables at the events on June 14 and throughout the summer season,” said Brita Van Fossen, SFC Food Access Manager.

SNAP is multiplied through Sustainable Food Center’s (SFC) Double Up Food Bucks Texas program. Double Up Food Bucks never expire and can be spent at any participating location.

Market vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and dairy products reported a 308% increase at the previous Your SNAP x 5 event. This increase deomonstrates the power of SNAP incentives to strengthen local economies and reduce food insecurity.

On June 14, seasonal favorites like peaches, berries, and tomatoes will be available. “Farmers will bring the best offerings of the year,” said SFC’s Central Texas Farm Viability Director Amy Gallo. “By ensuring that everyone can access this bumper crop, we’re supporting small farmers’ earnings before extreme heat and drought in late summer lead to a drop off in production and income.”

How to Multiply your SNAP X 5

It’s free and easy for SNAP shoppers to multiply benefits. Shoppers can visit the market information booth with their SNAP EBT / Lonestar Card and choose how much SNAP to multiply. No additional registration or paperwork necessary. SNAP shoppers can spend their baseline monthly benefits on local produce and a variety of market products, including:

Dairy
Eggs
Bread
Meat
Plants that produce food

The post Your SNAP X 5 appeared first on Sustainable Food Center.

Your SNAP x 5

Ariana DeLaurentis — 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.

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