SUSTAINABLE FOOD CENTER - WEEKLY NEWS

 
Happy National Farmers' Market Week!
by Amy Gallo, SFC Farmers' Market Coordinator

This week we're doing our part to enforce the federal mandate* to celebrate our farmers' markets all across the nation. Looking back, personally I have a lot to celebrate, and I'm sure you do too. According to a study conducted by the American Farm Bureau, 72% of consumers know “nothing” or “very little” about farming or ranching. Farmers’ markets are my favorite way of getting to know the people and region I am in. It’s the crossroads between rural producers and urban consumers. It is a place where you can ensure that your money is staying local, employing and supporting people who live and give back in your area.

Keep reading to learn more about Amy's connection to farmers' markets and all the exciting events we have coming up this weekend to celebrate Farmers' Market Week!


Continue Reading » »

 

SFC FARMERS' MARKET HAPPENINGS

 

SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown, Sat. Aug 12th from 9am-1pm:

• Farm Fresh:  Come on down to Oma and Opa’s for the best pickled okra around, but stay for the yellow roma tomatoes and sweet mini galia melons.
   
• Paleta’s Galore: The Flores family has been selling popsicles at SFC Farmers’ Markets since 2008 made from only fresh, natural and organic ingredients. Stop by this weekend to cool off with a fresh frozen paleta from Mom & Pops, kid’s can win a free one for completing our scavenger hunt!
   

 
SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley, Sat. Aug 12th from 9am-1pm:

• Pick Me Up: If this heat has got you down stop by Wunder-Pilz for a crisp and refreshing kombucha made with organic tea, herbs and vegan sugar cane. Try the Heart blend with organic hibiscus, local wildcrafted yaupon holly leaf and rose hips.
   
• Smoothie Station: Richardson Farms now carries drinkable yogurt in blueberry and strawberry flavors. Stash one away while shopping for organic chicken, sausage and 50/50 ground beef and ground bacon.
   

 
SFC Farmers’ Market at the Triangle, Wed. Aug 16th from 3pm-7pm:

• Freshly Dug: Johnson’s Backyard Garden has sweet potatoes rollin’ in, as well as 5 varieties of melon, okra, squash, eggplant, onions and leeks! Peppers ranging in scale from Mild to Whoa! That’s hot!
   

 
Continue Reading This Week at SFC Farmers' Markets »

 

SFC HAPPENINGS

 
SFC On Good Day Austin
This week on our segment with Fox 7 Austin, Chef Anthony Sobotik of Lick Honest Ice Creams talks about Lick's new location in Mueller and highlights their special Fig and Fromage flavor that benefits SFC! Watch the video »

 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

 

ACTION ALERT: Vote YES on HB92
Please call your State Representative today and urge him or her to vote YES on HB 92, to provide for fair property taxes for small farmers. Learn more »


Genesis Gardens Farm Apprentices
Genesis Gardens is a diversified, sustainable farm at Community First! Village, a community built for the chronically homeless of Austin. They are looking for four fall season apprentices that are excited to learn about sustainable agriculture in practice and as a tool to empower marginalized communities. Learn more »


"Go Fig or Go Home” with Lick Honest Ice Creams
Lick is donating 100% of proceeds from their "Fromage and Fig" flavor throughout the month of August to SFC! Sharing its commitment to supporting local farms, Lick is giving back to SFC by highlighting an ice cream featuring figs locally sourced from Urban Roots Farm. Learn more »


Round Rock Honey 15th Anniversary
We are honored to be the beneficiary of Round Rock Honey Company's 15th Anniversary celebration. They'll be teaming up with local restaurants all month long on special dishes and cocktails featuring their delicious honey. One dollar from each dish or cocktail sold will be donated SFC! Learn more »


Local Food Summit
August 6th-16th. Through a combination of online interviews and presentations, plus live webinars, hear from and interact with more than 60 of the most significant on-the-ground leaders of the local food movement—all for free  Learn more »


Good Soil Nutrition: Prevention of Pests and Diseases
Join the Austin Organic Gardeners' Club for their August club meeting on Monday, August 14th with George Altgelt, founder and president of Geo Growers. He'll be discussing good soil nutrition and how healthy soil can prevent common plant problems. Learn more »


Farm and Food Leadership Conference
September 24-26th - This unique conference focuses on the policies and regulations affecting our farms and our food, as well as the latest developments in sustainable agriculture. Early bird registration is open until August 15th. Learn more »