For Austin to be a thriving, equitable, and ecologically resilient community, it must have a healthy and just local food system. Growing, selling, eating, and recovering food locally creates jobs, strengthens the economy, improves public health, and reduces transportation impacts.

A graphic showing the journey of food from farm to fork with a farmhouse, truck, farm stand, and picnic table.

We're working with partners and community members to create Austin/Travis County's first-ever food plan!

In June 2021, Austin City Council directed the City Manager to begin a food planning process that would center and uplift the voices of those most impacted by our current food system. Whether you have 20 hours or 20 minutes to offer, there are many ways to contribute to the plan. Learn more about the food planning process and explore ways you can get involved.

A draft of the plan's goals and strategies is ready for review! Learn more and complete our survey by April 19, 2024.


Our vision for Austin’s food system is connected, protected, and community-integrated, benefiting everyone. Learn more about the City of Austin’s efforts to create a sustainable food system:

Red circle with an icon of utensils within.Programs and Initiatives

Orange circle with an illustration of binders.Helpful Resources

Green circle with an illustration of a magnifying glass.Research and Reports

Blue circle with an illustration of a grocery basket.Improving Food Access

 

Brown circle with an info icon.Key Facts About Austin's Food System

 Infographic of locally consumed food in Travis County.

Approximately 0.06% of food consumed in Travis County is locally produced.

 

Infographic showing 14.4%.

14.4% of people in Travis County experience food insecurity.

 

Infographic showing farmland lost 2012 to current.

16.8 acres of farmland are lost every day in Travis County.

 

Illustration of three composting bins.

1.24 million pounds of food is wasted every day in Austin.

 

Infographic of food-related emissions.

Food is responsible for 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions created by everyone in our community.

 

Learn more about Austin's food system in the State of the Food System Report (PDF, 2.5MB).