Sometimes, even when an individual has the desire to eat more fruits and vegetables, they simply cannot afford them.
As we have seen throughout the pandemic and in the aftermath of the winter storm, equitable access to healthy, fresh food continues to be a critical need in our communities.
This is why we need your support today.
When Maria Tello visited the SFC Downtown Farmers’ Markets, she was able to double her WIC benefits through Double Up Food Bucks and buy even more fresh, local produce than she would have been able to without it. The dollar-for-dollar match on nutrition benefits this program provides makes fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable for those who need them most.
Double Up also benefits our local farmers. Each dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables through this program goes directly to the farmers who grow them. So not only does Double Up create more equitable opportunities to access fresh produce, but it also brings in more sales for farmers by connecting them with new customers.
Maria Tello shared with us:
I don’t know what would have happened to me if I had not found healthy food, The Happy Kitchen, the fresh food at the markets. That is my motivation today: the people! To let others know in their own language, people like me, that this exists. That they can have access through Double Up Food Bucks, that they can learn to eat healthy as I did.
(If you have not seen or read her full interview, please visit this page).
Maria’s determination to improve the quality of life for her and her family is truly inspiring. It is no small thing to overcome the many barriers that prevent people from accessing the nutritious foods they need to thrive.
We match SNAP, WIC and FMNP benefits at farmers’ markets and mobile markets throughout Austin.
But to be able to continue to offer these programs and have a meaningful impact on people like Maria, we need to do more, reach more, and extend our service areas.
As needs have grown across our community, SFC’s programs have become even more essential. Your generosity and steadfast support are key in allowing us to expand our reach and help transform our food system to nourish our health, land, and livelihood.
By donating today, you’ll be helping SFC continue to support Maria and others, our local farmers, and the local economy through the win-win-win of Double Up Food Bucks!
Now, your gift to SFC will go even further! Thanks to a generous $25,000 challenge grant from Tito's Handmade Vodka, your gift made by December 31st will be DOUBLED!
Donate $30 and receive a digital SFC cookbook
Donate $100 and receive a digital SFC cookbook, SFC t-shirt
Donate $250 and receive a physical SFC cookbook, SFC t-shirt, SFC hat
Donate $1,000 and receive a physical SFC cookbook, SFC t-shirt, SFC hat and Farmers' Market tour
Donate $3,500 and receive a physical SFC cookbook, SFC t-shirt, SFC hat, Farmers' Market tour, and 2 (two) tickets to our Farm To Plate event on April 21st, 2022.
