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Organic Strawberries

What Does "Organic" Really Mean?

These days, we are all familiar with the word, “organic,” but what exactly does it mean? This term can be confusing because, depending on the context, its definition can be quite different. In the context of growing food, here are a few definitions to help bring things into focus and clarify misconceptions. Organic as a gardening method means to garden with materials derived directly from plants, animals, and minerals, without the assistance of fossil fuels (i.e., there is no use of petrochemical-based pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers). Organic gardening focuses on emulating and working with, not against, biological systems. In particular, it strives to...

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Peppers in Basket

4th of July Farmers' Market Celebrations

We are celebrating independence this weekend! The spirit of independence and self-reliance that launched the United States on it’s path to nationhood was rooted in the very land that the first American farmer’s cultivated. Texans have our own, unique, histories and traditions to celebrate in the summer typically starting with festivities this weekend. Watermelon, anyone? When it gets hot here, the peppers come with incredible colors and delicious flavors, the summer squash and the tender eggplant are ready to grill right alongside...

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Sugar Ice Cream

How Much Sugar is Too Much Sugar?

The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 established what consumers know as the Nutrition Label, which informs consumers of the nutrients in products. The FDA is now considering altering nutrition labels to include information about added sugar in products between 2015 and 2016. This “added sugar” line would indicate to consumers if sugar was added during the manufacturing process. Certain foods, like whole grains and fruits, have naturally occurring sugars and are nutrient dense, meaning they are very filling. When sugar is added to food in the processing of it, the sugar can outweigh any of the inherent benefits in the food. A diet high in processed food often results in...

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SFC HAPPENINGS

 
Fresh & New at the SFC Farmers' Market
At the SFC Farmers' Markets you can always expect to find meats, eggs, cheese and honey, as well as a variety of prepared foods to eat while you shop. This week also expect to find:

Vegetables: Tons of tomatoes of all varieties, plus squash and zucchini, eggplant and okra, and the coolest cucumbers. Also, find potatoes, beans, onions, and peppers, plus a great selection of herbs.

Fruit: Peaches, plums, and melons of all sorts, including that All American favorite watermelon!


Farmer Flood Relief Raffle
Our friends at Odd Duck be visiting the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown at Republic Square Park on July 4th from 9am-4pm for a flood-relief raffle that will benefit local farmers. Tickets are just $5 and you could win items like a one-night stay at Hotel San Jose, dinner for four at Cantine, and gift cards to Viva Day Spa, Uchi, Barley Swine, Odd Duck, and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Learn more »

 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

 
Texas Farm and Food Jobs
Are you interested in working in sustainable agriculture in Texas? Are you a farmer in need of some help with your seasonal harvest? Check out this great new resource from the Texas Young Farmer Coalition. Find the job you always dreamed of or post a job to find a great new addition to your team. Learn More »


Unprocessed with Megan Kimble at Book People
Ever thought about removing processed foods from your diet? Megan Kimble did - for an entire year! She'll be at Book People on Wednesday, July 8 at 7pm to share her experience. Enjoy farm-fresh bites and seasonal beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company during the talk. Learn More »


Coalition of Austin Community Gardens Panel Discussion
Fundraising, Grantwriting, and Accepting Donations and Services for Community Gardens. To build and sustain a thriving community garden, it takes funding, materials, and sometimes professional services. How can your garden team access these resources? What best practices exist for accepting donations? This panel of community experts and gardeners will share insights on these topics from their professional and volunteer experiences.Learn More »

 

GARDENING OPPORTUNITIES

 

COOKING CLASSES

 

SFC FARMERS' MARKET REPORT

SFC FARMERS' MARKET INFO

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