“Texas farmers are tough, and we stand together to help our neighbors,” continues Smith. “We are grateful to World Central Kitchen. Together, we are bringing relief to often-overlooked communities as well as a boost to our local economy.”
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.
"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."
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.
“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. "
"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."
“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.”
"Restaurants across the nation have struggled to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some programs aimed at helping them. In Austin, that help comes in the form of ‘The Neighborhood Pop Up Grocery Program,” which drops off fresh produce to restaurants around the city, then allows them to sell the product for some extra cash."
"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.
"Not only are we supporting our local farmers, but my kids get to eat nutritionally dense and incredibly fresh produce. It's an incredible partnership that I am very proud to be a part of."
— Rylan Snodgrass, Food Service Director, SAGE Dining Services, River Oaks Baptist School, Houston, TX