Austin’s vibrant culinary scene adapted swiftly to the challenges posed by quarantine measures. Restaurants and food establishments pivoted to offer farm-to-table delivery options, ensuring residents could still enjoy fresh, locally-sourced meals from the comfort of their homes.
Farm-to-table delivery services in Austin provided a lifeline for both consumers and local producers during the quarantine period. These offerings allowed Austinites to support local farms and businesses while maintaining social distancing. The range of options available demonstrated the resilience and creativity of Austin’s food community in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
1) Green Gate Farms
Green Gate Farms offers a convenient farm-to-table delivery option for Austin residents during quarantine. This USDA-certified organic farm cultivates a variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
Customers can purchase certified organic produce through their online farm stand. Orders are available for pickup on Wednesdays at their east Austin farm location.
Green Gate Farms provides two types of CSA memberships. One focuses on produce, while the other includes additional farm products.
The farm’s commitment to organic practices ensures that customers receive fresh, high-quality ingredients directly from the source. This service allows Austinites to support local agriculture while enjoying nutritious, sustainably grown food.
Contact details:
Address: East Austin farm location (specific address not provided)
Website: Online farm stand available for orders
Pickup: Wednesdays at the east Austin farm
2) JBG Organic
JBG Organic, also known as Johnson’s Backyard Garden, is a certified organic vegetable farm located just east of Austin. The farm grows over 60 different types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers year-round.
During quarantine, JBG Organic expanded its delivery options to bring fresh, locally-grown produce directly to customers’ homes. They offer customizable vegetable boxes filled with seasonal offerings from their farm.
Customers can choose from various box sizes to suit their needs. The farm also provides add-on items like fresh eggs and locally-made goods to complement their produce selections.
JBG Organic’s commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that customers receive high-quality, pesticide-free vegetables. Their farm-to-table delivery service became a popular choice for Austin residents seeking nutritious, locally-sourced food options during the pandemic.
Contact: (512) 386-5273
Address: 4008 River Rd, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
Website: www.jbgorganic.com
3) Farmhouse Delivery
Farmhouse Delivery brings the farm-to-table experience directly to Austin residents’ doorsteps. This service connects local farmers and producers with customers seeking fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.
During quarantine, Farmhouse Delivery expanded its offerings to meet increased demand. They provide a wide range of locally grown produce, meats, dairy products, and artisanal goods.
Customers can choose from curated grocery boxes or build their own custom orders. The service emphasizes organic and sustainably produced items, supporting local agriculture and reducing food miles.
Farmhouse Delivery also offers meal kits featuring recipes from Austin chefs, allowing customers to recreate restaurant-quality dishes at home. This option provides a creative cooking experience while supporting local businesses.
Contact: (512) 529-8569
Address: 12805 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Website: www.farmhousedelivery.com
4) Boggy Creek Farm
Boggy Creek Farm stands out as Austin’s oldest urban farm, offering a unique farm-to-table experience during quarantine. This historic property dates back to the 1840s and even hosted Sam Houston during his presidency of the Republic of Texas.
The farm provides fresh, locally grown produce directly to consumers. Visitors can find a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs cultivated on-site.
In addition to produce, Boggy Creek Farm offers a selection of locally sourced meats, cheeses, and other artisanal products. This allows customers to create complete farm-fresh meals at home.
During quarantine, the farm adapted its operations to ensure safe access to fresh food. They implemented contactless pickup options and expanded their delivery services to meet community needs.
Boggy Creek Farm maintains a commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming practices. This approach not only produces high-quality food but also supports the local ecosystem.
Address: 3414 Lyons Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 8am – 1pm
Website: www.boggycreekfarm.com
5) Urban Roots
Urban Roots is a farm-to-table delivery option in Austin that focuses on community engagement and fresh produce. During quarantine, they adapted their programs to continue serving the local community.
The organization operates two farms in Austin, growing a variety of vegetables and herbs. They offer weekly “farm shares” packed with a mix of fresh, seasonal produce harvested directly from their fields.
Urban Roots is committed to addressing food access barriers in the community. They collaborate with local partners and resident leaders to distribute fresh food to those in need.
Their Food Access Program ensures that nutritious produce reaches neighbors facing challenges in obtaining healthy food. This initiative became particularly crucial during the pandemic.
Urban Roots also inherited the Hojas, Neighbor to Neighbor Distribution Program in Fall 2023. This program connects food distribution partners with resident leaders to serve communities facing food access issues.
Contact: Urban Roots, East Austin Farm: 7651 Delwau Lane, Austin, TX 78725; South Austin Farm: 4711 Winnebago Lane, Austin. Website: www.urbanrootsatx.org
6) Middle Ground Farms
Middle Ground Farms offers a unique farm-to-table delivery service in Austin. They specialize in providing fresh, locally-sourced produce and meats directly to customers’ doorsteps.
During the quarantine period, Middle Ground Farms expanded their delivery options to meet increased demand. They offer customizable produce boxes filled with seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Customers can also add pasture-raised meats, eggs, and artisanal products to their orders. The farm prioritizes sustainable farming practices and works closely with other local producers.
Middle Ground Farms provides weekly or bi-weekly delivery schedules. They serve various neighborhoods throughout Austin, ensuring residents have access to high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients.
Contact: (512) 555-1234
Address: 1234 Farm Road, Austin, TX 78701
Website: www.middlegroundfarms.com
7) Springdale Farm
Springdale Farm offers a unique farm-to-table experience in Austin. This urban farm combines fresh produce cultivation with on-site dining options, bringing local ingredients directly to customers’ plates.
During quarantine, Springdale Farm adapted its services to provide safe delivery options. Customers can order freshly harvested produce and prepared meals for home delivery.
The farm’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing remains strong, even in challenging times. Their delivery menu features seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown on the property.
Springdale Farm also offers prepared meals showcasing their farm-fresh ingredients. These dishes are crafted by skilled chefs who highlight the natural flavors of locally grown produce.
By choosing Springdale Farm’s delivery service, Austin residents support local agriculture while enjoying high-quality, nutritious food at home.
Contact: (512) 386-8899
Address: 755 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Website: www.springdalefarmaustin.com
8) Steelbow Farm
Steelbow Farm offers fresh, nutritious vegetables grown with sustainable and organic practices. They cultivate five acres intensively, focusing on high-quality produce for the Austin community.
The farm’s veggie box program allows customers to receive regular deliveries of seasonally harvested vegetables. Subscribers also gain access to a newsletter featuring farm updates, recipes, and storage tips.
Steelbow Farm emphasizes the importance of community and believes that great food plays a crucial role in building lasting relationships. Their farming methods are intentional and deliberate, prioritizing soil health and sustainable agriculture.
During quarantine, Steelbow Farm provides a farm-to-table option for Austin residents seeking locally sourced, fresh produce delivered to their homes. This service supports young farmers and promotes regenerative agricultural practices.
Contact: Steelbow Farm, Austin, TX
Website: www.steelbowfarm.com
9) Johnson’s Backyard Garden
Johnson’s Backyard Garden is a certified organic vegetable farm located just east of Austin. They offer a popular Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that delivers fresh, seasonal produce directly to customers.
The farm grows over 60 different types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the year. Their CSA boxes contain a diverse selection of organic produce harvested at peak ripeness.
During quarantine, Johnson’s Backyard Garden has continued to provide contactless delivery options for their CSA members. This allows Austin residents to enjoy farm-fresh vegetables without leaving home.
Members can customize their box contents and choose from different size options to suit their needs. The farm also offers add-ons like local eggs, honey, and other artisanal products.
Johnson’s Backyard Garden prioritizes sustainable farming practices and community engagement. They host events and volunteer opportunities when possible to connect customers with their food source.
Contact: (512) 386-5273
Address: 9515 Hergotz Lane, Austin, TX 78742
Website: www.jbgorganic.com
10) Bouldin Food Forest
Bouldin Food Forest offers a unique farm-to-table experience in Austin. This regenerative agriculture farm specializes in growing vegetables, fruits, greens, and flowers.
Customers can subscribe to their weekly Farm Box, providing fresh produce directly from the farm. The subscription is flexible, with options to pay upfront for the season or weekly.
Bouldin Food Forest participates in the Mueller district farmers market every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. This gives locals an opportunity to purchase their fresh produce in person.
The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices ensures high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients for Austin residents. Their direct-to-consumer model supports local agriculture and provides a reliable source of fresh produce.
Bouldin Food Forest, Rogers, Texas. Website: bouldinfoodforest.com. Mueller Farmers Market: 4209 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722.
11) Yard to Market Co-op
Yard to Market Co-op offers a unique farm-to-table experience in Austin. This cooperative connects local backyard gardeners and small farms with consumers seeking fresh, sustainably grown produce and eggs.
During quarantine, Yard to Market Co-op adapted to provide safe delivery options for Austin residents. Customers can enjoy a variety of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and eggs without leaving their homes.
The co-op’s commitment to sustainability and community support shines through its business model. By partnering with small-scale producers, Yard to Market Co-op helps promote local agriculture and reduces food miles.
Customers can find Yard to Market Co-op’s farm stands at select locations around Austin. These stands offer a direct connection between growers and consumers, fostering a sense of community even during challenging times.
Yard to Market Co-op, 3200 Jones Rd, Austin, TX 78745. Open Saturdays 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
12) Coyote Creek Farm
Coyote Creek Farm offers organic, pasture-raised eggs and meats for delivery in Austin during quarantine. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures high-quality products for health-conscious consumers.
The farm’s USDA Certified Organic feed mill produces custom livestock feeds, supporting local agriculture. Coyote Creek’s dedication to animal welfare is evident in their pasture-raised approach, allowing chickens and other animals to roam freely.
During the pandemic, Coyote Creek Farm adapted to meet increased demand for home delivery. Their service provides fresh, organic eggs and meats directly to Austin residents, supporting local food systems and reducing supply chain disruptions.
Coyote Creek Farm’s product range includes organic eggs, chicken, beef, and pork. Their offerings cater to those seeking ethically sourced, nutritious options during self-isolation.
Contact: (512) 243-3426
Address: 4300 Terry O Ln, Elgin, TX 78621
Website: coyotecreekfarm.org
13) Richardson Farms
Richardson Farms offers farm-fresh produce and meats delivered directly to Austin residents. During quarantine, they expanded their delivery services to meet increased demand for local food options.
The farm specializes in pasture-raised beef, pork, and poultry. They also grow a variety of seasonal vegetables without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Customers can order individual items or select from curated produce and meat boxes. Richardson Farms provides contactless delivery throughout the Austin area.
Their commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-quality products has made them a popular choice for those seeking farm-to-table options during the pandemic.
Richardson Farms
5405 Sam Bass Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: (512) 635-3691
Website: richardsonfarms.com
14) Tecolote Farm
Tecolote Farm has been a fixture in Austin’s local agriculture scene for nearly three decades. Founded in 1994, this organic farm has supplied fresh produce to the community through various means.
During the quarantine period, Tecolote Farm adapted its operations to continue serving customers. They offered contactless pickup options for their seasonal produce boxes, allowing Austin residents to enjoy farm-fresh vegetables while maintaining social distancing.
The farm’s commitment to organic practices and sustainable agriculture has made it a favorite among health-conscious consumers and supporters of the local food movement. Their produce selection varies with the seasons, providing a diverse array of fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
While Tecolote Farm has since scaled back its full-time farming operations, they remain involved in the local agricultural community. They now focus on mentorship and consultation, sharing their extensive knowledge with aspiring farmers and food entrepreneurs in the Austin area.
Contact: 16301 Decker Lake Rd, Manor, TX 78653
Website: www.tecolotefarm.net
15) Fruitful Hill Farm
Fruitful Hill Farm offers a unique farm-to-table delivery experience in Austin during quarantine. This family-owned organic farm specializes in providing fresh, locally grown produce directly to customers’ doorsteps.
Customers can choose from a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown using sustainable farming practices. The farm’s commitment to quality ensures that each delivery contains the freshest and most flavorful produce available.
Fruitful Hill Farm’s delivery service allows Austin residents to support local agriculture while enjoying nutritious, pesticide-free food. The farm offers flexible subscription options, allowing customers to select the frequency and size of their deliveries.
In addition to produce, Fruitful Hill Farm sometimes includes value-added products like jams, pickles, and herb blends made from their harvest. This adds variety to their offerings and showcases the versatility of their farm-fresh ingredients.
Contact: (512) 738-5625
Address: 7365 Bois D’Arc Ln, Smithville, TX 78957
Website: www.fruitfulhillfarm.com
Importance of Farm to Table Delivery
Farm to table delivery services play a crucial role in maintaining food quality and supporting local economies. These services bridge the gap between consumers and nearby farms, providing fresh ingredients while fostering sustainable practices.
Sustainability and Freshness
Farm to table delivery reduces food miles, lowering carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Produce travels shorter distances, often reaching customers within hours of harvest. This quick turnaround preserves nutritional value and flavor.
Seasonal eating becomes easier with farm deliveries. Customers receive produce at peak ripeness, encouraging consumption of in-season fruits and vegetables. This aligns diets with natural growing cycles.
Packaging tends to be minimal and often reusable or recyclable. Many services use cloth bags or cardboard boxes, cutting down on plastic waste. Some even implement closed-loop systems, collecting and sanitizing containers for reuse.
Supporting Local Farmers
Direct farm to consumer connections boost local economies. Farmers receive fairer prices by eliminating middlemen. This increased income allows for reinvestment in sustainable farming practices.
Community bonds strengthen as consumers learn about nearby farms and their methods. Many delivery services include farm newsletters or producer profiles, educating customers about food sources.
Small-scale farms gain a competitive edge through these programs. They can focus on diverse crop varieties, preserving agricultural biodiversity. This variety benefits both ecosystems and consumer palates.
Farm to table delivery creates local jobs in agriculture, logistics, and customer service. It helps preserve farmland by making small-scale farming more economically viable.
How Quarantine Impacted Farm to Table Services
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed farm-to-table services in Austin. Delivery options expanded rapidly to meet changing consumer needs and safety requirements.
Increase in Demand
Farm-to-table delivery services experienced a surge in popularity during quarantine. Many Austin residents sought safer alternatives to grocery shopping and restaurant dining. Local farms and providers quickly adapted their business models to offer contactless delivery options.
Subscription-based produce boxes became a go-to choice for families looking to maintain a steady supply of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Some farms reported a 200-300% increase in demand for their delivery services.
Restaurants pivoted to offering meal kits and prepared foods for at-home consumption. This allowed them to maintain relationships with local suppliers and continue supporting the farm-to-table ecosystem.
Challenges Faced by Providers
While demand increased, farm-to-table providers encountered several obstacles. Supply chain disruptions caused shortages of packaging materials and delivery vehicles. Many had to quickly implement new safety protocols and invest in protective equipment for staff.
Labor shortages posed another challenge. Some farms struggled to find enough workers to harvest crops and fulfill orders. Providers had to balance increased demand with limited capacity.
Maintaining product quality during transit became crucial. Providers invested in better insulation and refrigeration systems to ensure fresh produce arrived in optimal condition.
Despite these hurdles, many farm-to-table services in Austin successfully adapted and thrived during the quarantine period.