Sustainable Food Center

The Weekly Dirt

Snow covered crops, photo courtesy of Flame Leaf Farm

THIS WEEKEND AT THE MARKETS
Highlights, Vendors, Events and more. Downtown and Sunset Valley - Sat. Feb 27

Our farmers, ranchers and vendors need your support this season more than ever. We urge you to come out to market and support local directly this weekend by shopping at the SFC Farmers' Markets. If you can please donate to our Farmer and Rancher Relief Fund, or others like this statewide effort coordinated by Central Texas Young Farmers Coalition and Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

Thank you for supporting local agriculture and we can’t wait to see you the markets. Here's what's fresh this weekend:

DOWNTOWN: Make sure to treat yourself while you are supporting local producers. Check out the honey-orange ginger flavor from Soco Ginger Beer a sweet and spicy brew with tons of fresh ginger (to treat your insides) and a honey sweetened finish try pairing it with your favorite whiskey for a more adult version. Emadi Acres Farm has fresh broccoli that managed to survive the storm, thanks to their heated high tunnels. Big Brazos Sustainable Farm will also be onsite with fresh honey, pecans, and pecan snacks to help power you through your week.

SUNSET VALLEY: Shirttail Creek Farm will have fresh eggs this weekend! Located in Brenham, they had almost 5,000 hens laying through the unpredictable winter weather. Be sure to get there early to snag yours. Dorothy’s Choice has hot meals and sweet treats to help soothe you after our recent unrest. Cupcakes, pies, pudding cups and more will be available on Saturday. Left Hand Jelly nearly sold out of delicious homemade jams and jellies last weekend. From pure Texas grapefruit to spicy pepper blends, they have something to fit every taste.

To keep our vendors, staff and customers safe, we request everyone wear a face covering or mask while in the market area. Click here to learn more about our safety measures. 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.

Amplify Austin for SFC
March 4-5. Get ready for Amplify Austin, our city's annual community-wide campaign of online giving. Early giving is open NOW and will culminate in the 24-hour giving drive, starting 6pm March 4th. We need your help to raise $22,000 to support our local farmers and increase access to healthy, local food for everyone in Austin. Donate today, or set up a fundraiser page on behalf of SFC!

Garden Party for SFC
May 6. Held in the beautiful gardens of Barr Mansion, you'll enjoy a unique, upscale — and socially-distanced — picnic experience featuring delicious, exclusive meals prepared by Austin's top chefs. All proceeds benefit SFC. Tickets and restaurant line-up will be released soon. *In the event of inclement weather or COVID-19 safety concerns, this event will move to a virtual experience.

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

"As Austin farms face devastating loss, farmers markets and relief funds open to help them"
By Addie Broyles, Austin 360 - At SFC, we are proud to be a part of our community banding together to support our local farmers and ranchers after the devastating winter storm.

"How Austin Restaurant Olamaie Is Feeding Local Groups in Need While Supporting Texas Farms"
By Nadia Chaudhury, Eater Austin - Boosted by aid from the LEE Initiative, chef Michael Fojtasek fed local organizations in need of hot meals while buying up frozen produce from local farms.

"POLITICO Pro Q&A: Rep. David Scott, the first Black House Ag chair"
By Liz Crampton, Politico - The Georgia lawmaker recently spoke with POLITICO to talk about his priorities.

THE WEEKLY
We'll be sharing recipes to cook, terms you should know, and more in our weekly selection!

Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup (Vegan & 8 Ingredients)
Put some mushrooms on your shopping list for the farmers' market this weekend and try this easy mushroom soup from Jessica in the Kitchen. Blending part of the soup adds a creamy texture so it's hearty, but not heavy.