Sustainable Food Center

The Weekly Dirt

THIS WEEKEND AT THE MARKETS
Highlights, Vendors, Events and more. Downtown and Sunset Valley - Sat, July 4

Markets are open this weekend! To keep our vendors, staff and customers safe, we request everyone wear a face covering or mask while in the market area. Please visit our website to learn more about these and other safety measures to help you prepare for your visit.

SUNSET VALLEY: Peach season is still upon us leaving us free to dream of ice cream, cobblers, and grilled peaches galore. Stop by the Engel Farms booth to pick up a bag (or two, or three) to fill out your patriotic weekend plans. For the rest of your backyard BBQ weekend, check out Green Thumb Farming for homegrown squash and tomatoes, and Copper Creek Ranch for delicious smoked beef sausage.

DOWNTOWN: Have yourself a stay-at-home picnic as part of your 4th of July celebrations. Check out the gluten-free pullman loaves from Gluten Free Yourself Kitchen, or pick up a bag of tasty gold rolls for all your sandwich needs. Next stop is to Peach Creek Farm for a pound of in-house chorizo or Italian sausages, and don’t forget to pick up a watermelon from Flame Leaf Farm for a refreshing dessert from the comfort of your home.

SFC Farmers' Market match SNAP, WIC and FMNP benefits with Double Up Food Bucks! Visit our website for more information on which vendors will be at market, what products are in season, and more.

SFC UPDATE
SFC events, news, blogs and more.

Wholesale Readiness Webinar Series
June 16, July 14, August 18. In this 3-part webinar series, Ellen Polishuk will give farmers all the in's and out's of setting up a wholesale operation. Your $20 registration fee will get you access to all 3 webinars, plus a copy of Ellen's book, Start Your Farm: The Authoritative Guide to Becoming a Sustainable 21st Century Farmer.

Texas Mamma Jamma Ride
Sept 19. If the Covid-19 lockdown inspired you to dig your bike out of the garage to help you stay active, or has you daydreaming about fun community events, consider signing up for the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride!

WHAT WE'RE READING THIS WEEK
We've dug up the dirt so you don't have to.

"White people own 98% of rural land. Young Black farmers want to reclaim their share"
By Tom Philpott, Grist - Leah Penniman, codirector of Soul Fire Farm, speaks with Grist and Mother Jones about the history of Black farmers in America, and the growing movement to reclaim their place in our country’s agriculture.

"The ‘Thanksgiving Tribe’ Is Still Fighting for Food Sovereignty"
By Alexandra Talty, Civil Eats - The Mashpee Wampanoag, who shared their harvest with the Pilgrims in 1620, are at the center of a legal battle with the U.S. government to maintain access to their traditional lands and foodways.

"'Absolutely essential': USDA cuts red tape for school lunch programs this fall"
By Jessica Fu, The Counter - Nutrition directors get the green light to serve lunch in classrooms or via grab-and-go, but some say more flexibility is needed.

THE WEEKLY
We'll be sharing recipes, recommendations, tips and more in our weekly selection!

Recipe: Chili Lime Watermelon
A great summer recipe from our archives. Watermelon is just what a body needs to stay hydrated and cool in our nonstop summer heat. Lucky for us, watermelon season in Central Texas is starting, and this is the perfect recipe to spice up your watermelon slices. Additionally, you can use the spice mixture to rub onto fish, vegetables, or chicken before they hit the grill.

Recommendation: Taste the Nation on Hulu
We loved watching this new series on Hulu. Padma Lakshmi takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups, seeking out the people who have so heavily shaped what American food is today.

Thanks: West End Marketing + Media
West End Marketing is an integrated media and marketing firm based in Austin, Texas. With 20+ years of expertise in consumer, B2B and non-profit industries, WestEnd Marketing delivers results-oriented media strategy and media buying. Thank you WestEnd Marketing for your generous support of Sustainable Food Center!