Did You Know?
- Animal food consumption is inextricably linked to global warming. Beef and lamb raised in the U.S. produce 47 times more greenhouse emissions per calorie of food as fruit, and 280 times more than legumes.
- The average plate of food in the U.S. can travel 1,250 miles before it reaches its consumer.
- There are about 3 dozen farmers’ markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) providers selling locally produced food in the Austin area. Much of this food is organic.
The agricultural sector represents 10-29% of global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The most substantial cause of food-related emissions is animal food. Energy use and emissions are substantially higher to produce a calorie of animal food than a calorie of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Add to this the amount of energy used to transport, package, and prepare food, and you will observe a large large carbon “foodprint.”
Community Supported Agriculture
CSAs allow consumers to buy “shares” of a local farmers’ produce. The farmers often deliver the food to the city, either directly to homes or drop-off points. Farms are guaranteed an income by these subscriptions, better ensuring the financial stability of local food suppliers. Some food delivery services also buy local and become virtual CSAs.
While many Austin restaurants accommodate vegetarians, this is a list of restaurants where most/all of the fare is absent animal products.
There are several businesses in Austin that can show you how to turn your front and back yard into food production.
This is a list of farmers’ markets in the greater Austin area. Visiting these markets is another way to reduce the amount of the energy and materials used to transport, process, and package food while supporting the local economy.
Two farms inside Austin provide locally grown food on designated marketing days.
One of the premier organizations and clearinghouses for donated food in our region is the Central Texas Food Bank. This umbrella group works with about 250 church, government, and non-profit organizations to redistribute food in the greater Central Texas area. This food bank will pick up larger quantities of food often available at restaurants, grocery stores, and leftovers from large parties and banquets.