Good food close to home / Comida sana y cercana

Sustainable Austin Blog

Good food close to home / Comida sana y cercana

Aug 31, 2017

The City of Austin is partnering with the Sustainable Food Center, Farmshare Austin, and Go Austin! / Vamos Austin! (GAVA) to offer fresh, affordable, convenient, and nutritious food.

Farm Stands

School and Community Farm Stands provide a space for families to purchase high-quality, fresh produce at a low cost, directly within in their own neighborhoods. They are situated in familial spaces where people gather and connect — like schools and recreation centers — and are fully operated by community leaders with logistical support from the Sustainable Food Center.

Fresh produce from local Austin farms is sold at reduced prices, making it more affordable than a traditional farmer's market. Most stands accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — formerly known as food stamps) benefits and offer the SFC Double Dollars program (which doubles the benefits).

"It motivates me because it's so close to home. The produce is so fresh, and the prices are low. I'm going to eat these carrots right now!" -Jose, St. Elmo Road Farm Stand shopper

Mobile Markets

Mobile Markets are markets on wheels that are run by a local non-profit, Farmshare Austin. They can be easily set up and moved to another location but prioritize areas that have few to no options for buying fresh produce. In addition to produce from local Austin farms, staple goods like pasta, spices, and beans are sold. Prices are affordable and all markets accept SNAP benefits and offer the SFC Double Dollars program.

Healthy Corner Stores

Corner stores are convenience stores, including gas stations, which offer more than the typical amount and variety of healthier food items. In a partnership with The Philadelphia's Food Trust, Go Austin!/Vamos Austin! has supported eight corner stores in the 78744 and 78745 zip codes in Southeast Austin to increase their capacity to offer healthy food items.

Healthy foods include both fresh produce and shelf goods that follow specific nutrition standards such as whole grain bread or tortillas, lean proteins, low-fat milk or yogurt, and canned, frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables. Plans to expand the program in to new areas of Austin are currently underway.

While many of the Mobile Markets and Farm Stands locations took a break during July and August, we are excited to announce NEW markets and the Fall Season Schedule!