The Common Market in the News
PRESS RELEASE: The Common Market Texas awarded grant to connect local food to food insecure families impacted by COVID-19
“This generous gift will not only help us feed thousands of our neighbors who are facing increased food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will also help support local farms, which are so vital to all of us," said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank.
Northwest Houston church cooks up a plan to feed furloughed neighbors
"After starting Furlough Kitchen Houston, Bledsoe received a message on social media from the Common Market Texas, a mission-driven distributor of sustainable, local farm foods. The nonprofit donates fresh produce to the church, creating a unique fundraising opportunity. When families purchase The Common Market Texas produce boxes at St. Stephen’s, the sale becomes a donation to help the church continue preparing meals. 'People love the boxes, and they’re really pleased with what’s in them,' Bledsoe said. 'It’s hard to beat super-fresh produce.’"
The impact of COVID-19 on Texas farmers
In conjunction with the nonprofit, Texas Center for Local Food, in Elgin, The Common Market Texas is delivering thousands of pounds of local produce safely packed in individual boxes. The nonprofit is selling the food boxes; consumers are receiving vegetables and fruit chosen by Central and South Texas farmers. What's inside the box changes every week. The money goes directly to family farms, many of which are hurting due to the coronavirus.
Houston community farms bloom with fresh alternatives to the grocery store
"Houstonians who are more concerned about social distancing or want a more personal connection to their food should consider purchasing directly from a local farm. Sure, it’s great to know what produce is available or how it was grown, but buying directly from a local farm allows people to know who grew their produce."
AISD is now serving grass-fed ground beef. Here’s why.
"Due to an increase in student meal participation, all AISD cafes will now offer local, grass-fed ground beef from Augustus Ranch in Yoakam, Texas."
Episode #9 Farm Fresh with Cobb
During Farm to School Month, Galena Park ISD highlighted the partnership between the schools and The Common Market Texas. Students learned about local agriculture and were exposed to tasty, local goodness.
The Common Market Texas awarded $3.8M in federal and local funds to establish Houston facility for resilient food systems
"Issues like healthy food access were exacerbated by Harvey. One major reason we endeavored to expand our organization to Houston was to play a role in spurring new markets for Texas farmers so they are not cut out from doing business with these large food buyers. Public institutions don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy local, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables, and we are facilitating that connection.”
Urban Harvest kicks off new Farmers Market
"Urban Harvest is partnering with Northeast Houston Redevelopment Council and The Common Market to create and run the market, which is located in an area where fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthful whole foods are difficult to find."
The Common Market Texas wins USDA Grant to Build the Farm-to-City Wholesale Market
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sunny Perdue announced that Houston local food distributor The Common Market Texas received a $500,000 grant as a 2018 awardee of the Local Food Promotion Program.The Common Market Texas will use the grant to invest in local family farms, helping them to earn certifications in food safety and sell to wholesale customers in Houston such as hospitals, schools, universities, or restaurants.