Help Austin Families Access Healthy, Affordable Meals
Watch the video above for an update from Molly Costigan, The Happy Kitchen Program Director, on how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted our free cooking and gardening programs.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have been amazed by the outpouring of support we have received from our community to help us continue our vital food access work in Austin. We are now 63% of the way to our goal of making up the revenue we lost from the cancellation of our Farm to Plate fundraiser. And thanks to a generous $25,000 matching grant from Still Water Foundation, all gifts made now will be DOUBLED!
Did you know that our food access work not only includes our farmers’ markets and Double Up Food Bucks, but also free cooking and gardening resources?
Normally, at this time of year, we would be working in the community facilitating free cooking and gardening classes in areas with high rates of diet-related disease. We’d also be sharing information about our Spread the Harvest Resource Giveaway Day.
Unfortunately, this year we had to cancel this bi-annual event where we distribute free seeds, plants, and compost to low-income, school, and community gardeners. But these resources are more vital than ever right now. We pivoted to a mail-order option and have sent seeds to over 200 individuals so far. Now, we're looking for ways to expand this program to people who have experienced an unexpected income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re relying on your support to continue providing these resources that people need to feed themselves and their families affordable, accessible meals. Please, donate today.
PS: Save the date for our upcoming virtual event, “The Food Must Go On” on April 30th! We’ll have special segments from renowned chefs, food system leaders, local farmers and more. Get your favorite restaurant to-go meal planned and prepare to settle in for a special video event celebrating our resilient local food system.