How You Can Support Central Texas Farmers Impacted by Winter Storm Relief Uri
Last week, Winter Storm Uri left Texas under a thick white layer of snow and ice. While having one day of light snow every few years is to be expected during our Texas winters, this unprecedented storm has left us feeling like characters in the climate dystopian movie The Day After Tomorrow.
Not only are Texas residents not equipped for this type of weather, neither is our infrastructure, homes, plumbing, cars or farms. Produce farmers are especially vulnerable to climate catastrophes since they do not qualify for the financially accessible crop insurance or federally supported programs that are available to commodity crop farmers. Operating a vegetable farm or fruit orchard requires large amounts of capital in order to purchase seeds, labor, soil amendments and irrigation equipment. Replacing lost crops and damaged infrastructure will require months before a cash flow might return to pay for these costs.
Small-scale and urban farmers are part of the lifeblood of Austin, adding to the rich and flavorful food scene that is putting our weird city on the foodie map. While local producers currently supply 1–2% of Austin’s food, many of Austin’s most beloved restaurants pride themselves on sourcing local and consumer demand for local foods is increasing every year. COVID-19 has also inspired an entire wave of people to begin learning how to grow their own food. Food-based organizations like Farmshare Austin are working to build the equity and resilience needed in local food systems to get through the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters. Winter Storm Uri, on top of the pandemic, has left farmers within our own Central Texas food system in desperate need of help and resources.
Below is a list of funds accepting contributions to support Texas farmers today! Another great way to support your local farmers is by signing up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box or for a local food subscription from Farmhouse Delivery or Farm to Table. CSAs in the U.S. began in the 1980s as a way for consumers to directly support producers in an alternative market system and continue to serve as a great way to positively contribute to the local food system. Visiting farmers’ markets such as those run by Sustainable Food Center downtown and in Sunset Valley and those run by Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller and Lakeline Mall allow you to meet the farmers face-to-face and establish close relationships with the people growing your food!
Amplify Austin — I Live Here I Give Here has established a Disaster Relief Fund to be distributed to 130+ area non-profits working directly with those in most critical need after Winter Storm Uri. Farmshare has been selected as one of those non-profits since our Fresh for Less Curbside Delivery provides an affordable, reliable, weekly source of fresh local produce and organic grocery items.
Whether you’re reading this from Austin or Shanghai, there are ways you can provide disaster relief for Texas farmers. Scroll down to find out how!