Over the years Austin has grown into one of the top health conscious cities in America. From outdoor activities, healthy food in restaurants, to the trend of buying all things local. Luckily for us that despite the current circumstances getting local and fresh foods can still be easily obtained. Many local companies are offering pickup and delivery!
This week our summer contributor Jasmina from Well with Mina is talking about the best purveyor to buy from in Austin.
One of the best things about living in Austin, Texas is our access to locally produced food from surrounding farming communities. You can get almost anything your heart desires from farmers, ranchers, chefs, and purveyors cultivating and making quality food that comes right from our backyard.
Check out my list of recommendations at the end if you’d like to skip ahead.
All you have to do is venture to one of the many farmers markets around town to see the bounty of Texas farming that’s available year-round. Talk about lucky! Many cities must rely on big box stores to feed their inhabitants, but not here in Texas. We have the choice to support local if we want to, and that is something truly special.
Buying local is more sustainable for the environment.
Speaking of sustainability, regenerative agriculture is something to keep in mind when choosing where to buy your produce and meats. Most of these foods at the grocery store come from monocropping and feed lots that deplete the land rather than restore it. With regenerative agriculture, farmers and ranchers tend to the land and animals in a way that supports soil health and sequesters carbon, which results in a better product for you and the planet.
The benefits of buying locally sourced food are plentiful, too, and some of them might even surprise you. Buying quality has a lot to do with how the food was produced, meaning whether or not it is pesticide and herbicide-free, non-GMO, grass-fed, pasture-raised, ripe, nutrient-dense, tasty, and fresh.
Notice how I didn’t use the word “organic” when referring to pesticide and herbicide-free food?
That’s because many farmers implement organic practices, but they have chosen not to spend the extra money that it costs to get officially labeled as organic. It’s an added expense that is not always feasible, so don’t automatically discount something local just because it doesn’t have the “Certified Organic” label. Talk to your farmer and find out what their practices are if you want to be sure.
Local Groceries:
- Whole Foods Market – Look for the “Local” label in the produce department and on the shelves. Melons are in-season and they have bins full of them! (local items linked)
- Wheatsville – A local grocery co-op that is customer owned and stocked with a great selection of local meats, dairy, eggs, produce, and Austin-made products. My favorite right now are the local tomatoes. Perfectly ripe and rich in flavor!
- Central Market – A specialty grocery store that focuses on quality and uniqueness. You can find plenty of local foods like Hudson Meats and Kitchen Pride mushrooms. Their seafood department is my go-to and they usually have local options from the Gulf.
- Thom’s Market – I love this local market with three locations around downtown. And they sell my favorite soy-free eggs from Shirttail Creek Farm!
- Dia’s Market – Another wonderful local market selling specialty items and some of my favorite frozen meats from Peach Creek Farm. The breakfast sausages are delish!
Austin Farmers Markets:
- SFC Farmers’ Markets – Open year-round, rain or shine.
Downtown– Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunset Valley– Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Texas Farmers Market –Open year-round, rain or shine.
Lakeline – Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mueller – Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Barton Creek Farmers Market – Open year-round, rain or shine.
Barton Creek Mall – Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - HOPE Farmers Market – Open year-round, rain or shine.
East Austin – Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Lone Star Farmers Market – Open year-round, rain or shine
Bee Cave– Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is not an exhaustive list, but as you can see we have an amazing variety of outstanding options for buying local and eating in-season throughout the year in Austin! Your support for our local Texas farmers is what keeps these passionate folks doing what they do providing healthy and quality food for the community. Remember, you don’t just get food, you get nutrient-dense, delicious farm fresh food that supports your health, the environment, and your fellow community members.
Author – Jasmina Carbaugh, Primal Health Coach Institute Student & Wellness Enthusiast
Follow Mina on her Instagram: @wellwithmina
