Every person should have access to fresh, nutrient-rich food. Yet, in our community, many people face barriers to getting nourishing food on the table.
Urban Roots is committed to growing as much fresh food as we can and sharing with our neighbors. To that end, we devote at least 75% of the fresh produce we grow each year to increase food access here in Central Texas.
Food from the farm is donated to partners operating food pantries and community kitchens, delivered directly to the homes of neighbors facing barriers to regularly accessing fresh food, and sold at a discount to Farmshare Austin to supply their Fresh for Less mobile markets.
We recently introduced Hojas, our in-house and community-led food distribution program. You’ll find info below about how to get involved as a recipient or community leader.
If you need immediate access to food for yourself or your family, please use our list of local resources or contact the Central Texas Foodbank helpline at 512.710.4642.
Urban Roots Hojas Program
Hojas is a community-driven project to share the bounty of our farm directly with our neighbors.
It began during the pandemic as a partnership with Go Austin/Vamos Austin and became a fully Urban Roots managed program in the fall of 2023.
How does it work?
Each week during harvest season, “farm shares” are packed fresh from a mix of vegetables that are ready to go!
From there, the community takes over, with wonderful resident leaders handling delivery and distribution of the food to groups of their neighbors.
Who can participate?
Anyone who needs help getting fresh veggies to their home (for any reason!) and lives within the delivery area of one of our resident leaders can sign up to receive produce through Hojas. Currently, our main zip codes are 78744, 78745, and 78753 – but we are working to grow our reach.
Email us here to see if you are in the delivery area.
How do I join?
If you are interested in joining the Urban Roots Hojas program as a produce recipient or future resident leader, please email us here.
We review the waitlist and invite new participants each fall and spring. If you need immediate access to food, visit our “Find Food Now” resource list.
Food Distribution
& Food Access Partners
We choose our food distribution partners at the start of each growing season (August/September, February/March), but are always meeting with new partners to learn about their work and brainstorm how we can collaborate.
We work with food access partners for food distribution, learning and programming opportunities, idea-sharing, advocacy and awareness, community-building, and so much more.
If you are a food access organization or community group interested in working with us, please email us to schedule an introductory call.
Our Food Access Partners:
Black Mamas Village
Black Mamas Village’s vision is to have a place where Black mothers belong; to foster a culture of connection that promotes holistic health and wellness, strengthens support systems, and cultivates thriving communities for all Black mothers.
Casa Marianella
Casa Marianella welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services. Their ultimate vision is that all immigrants arriving in Austin will have safe housing and access to the services they need to be successful.
Caritas of Austin
Caritas of Austin believes that when every person has a stable place to call home, they can realize their full potential and contribute to our community. Their mission is to prevent and end homelessness in Greater Austin. Caritas’ Food programs build physical wellbeing as people are transitioning out of homelessness.
The Central Texas Food Bank
The Central Texas Food Bank works with food donors across the country, financial supporters and volunteers to fill unmet needs in Central Texas. Their website has a wealth of resources for getting assistance and getting involved.
Keep Austin Fed
Keep Austin Fed’s mission is to reduce hunger and help the environment by connecting surplus food with our neighbors in need. Their website has information on how to volunteer or become a food contributor.
Farmshare Austin
Farmshare Austin’s mission is to grow a healthy, just and equitable local food system by increasing community food access and cultivating new farmers. They build bridges between produce grown on their farm in Eastern Travis County and food access programs reaching food-insecure communities in Central Texas.
Manos de Cristo
The mission of Manos de Cristo is to empower low-income individuals with a loving hand of assistance and without regard to age, gender, race, or religious preference. They promote dignity and self-reliance by meeting basic needs with food and clothing, providing essential oral care, and furthering educational development.
Sunday Lunchbox
Sunday Lunchbox is a nonprofit organization envisioning that all Austin families have access to nutritious and community inspired food options. They provide nutritious and community inspired food for those most underserved by our food system in Austin.
Vivent Health
Vivent Health offers people living with HIV the highest-quality care, including wraparound social services designed to support the whole person. Vivent Health food pantries are located in all of their locations – one of the many health and wellness services they provide.
Food is also donated to the ATX Free Fridge Project locations around Austin, including in Dove Springs and on 12th at Nixta.
