The Common Market in the News

PRESS RELEASE: The Common Market serves Texas communities facing food insecurity and local farms through partnership with the American Heart Association of Greater Houston

The Common Market began its partnership with The American Heart Association in Greater Houston in May 2020, with a goal of providing fresh foods and educational resources to individuals living within Houston’s Complete Communities areas, a collection of 10 underserved neighborhoods. Funding for the produce and distribution span various sources, including Northern Trust and other foundations, and local donors committed to providing healthy food access to disadvantaged communities.

Source to School: Inside AISD Food Services

Austin ISD

"Middle Ground Farm is one of 40 small producers that The Common Market Texas partners with to deliver high-quality, local food to communities. We are so proud to work with new and beginning farmers to really scale up what the local food movement can bring to communities here in Texas.

Farm to School partnerships really help kids understand the importance of choosing healthy options and understanding the impact they're having in the world."

HOW THE NEIGHBORHOOD POP-UP GROCERY PROJECT HELPED AUSTIN FARMS AND RESTAURANTS DURING COVID-19

Sustainable Food Center

Community members know now that they can look to their own community, including small businesses in their neighborhoods, for food access. Restaurants have another outlet to sell food, and farmers do not have to worry about losing years of hard-fought relationships in case additional COVID-related restrictions are implemented. Keeping money local and allowing for community-led solutions creates a resilient system - a system that protects consumers, local economies, and our food future.

Austin ISD Free Produce Boxes Extended Through Dec. 17

Austin Independent School District

“We are thrilled to partner in this new way with Austin ISD,” said Margaret Smith, Director at The Common Market Texas. “At The Common Market, we fully recognize the role of high-quality, local food can play in nutrition and overall good health. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are leaning on our mission to serve, and we are proud to be a part of the solution during this challenging time. "

AISD to provide free Texas-grown produce boxes to families during COVID-19 pandemic

FOX7 Austin

"We are thrilled to partner in this new way with Austin ISD," said Margaret Smith, Director at The Common Market Texas. 'At The Common Market, we fully recognize the role high-quality, local food can play in nutrition and overall good health. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are leaning on our mission to serve, and we are proud to be a part of the solution during this challenging time."

AISD to Provide Free Produce Boxes featuring Texas-Grown Foods

Austin Independent School District

“COVID-19 has resulted in food insecurity well beyond what we’ve experienced in the past,” shared Aliya Hussaini MD, MSc, Portfolio Director of Health at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Austin ISD has made a remarkable pivot, in a time of great uncertainty and need, to serve as a front line healthy food access point for children and families in our community. The Common Market is working nationally to ensure that families receive high-quality, nutritious food while also supporting farmers to distribute their product and support their employees’ livelihoods. This partnership will ensure more healthy food reaches the children and families who need it most.”

College of Medicine and American Heart Association Team Up with The Common Market to Provide Food to Underserved Communities

University of Houston

"Recognizing the additional struggles many low-income Houstonians are now facing due to the pandemic, the University of Houston College of Medicine and American Heart Association joined forces with The Common Market to deliver 100 boxes of high quality, farm fresh produce to two public housing complexes just blocks from UH."

Recipient Letrivia James called it a “blessing”. “This is amazing. God is so good and I really appreciate it,” she said.