KUT listeners care to understand complex social issues and imagine innovative solutions. SFC addresses the complex issues underlying hunger.

“What makes your volunteers opportunities special for KUT 90.5 FM listeners? KUT listeners care to understand complex social issues and imagine innovative solutions. SFC addresses the complex issues underlying hunger. In 1995, our organization conducted research and released a report entitled Access Denied. This report documented limited access to fresh, healthy foods in areas of Austin with a high percentage of low-income families. Fewer fully-stocked groceries with ingredients for a nutritionally-balanced meal were located in these areas. Since low-income families are at significantly higher risk for hunger and diet-related diseases, SFC began establishing a network of markets in areas close to low-income residents. Once the markets were established, SFC clients reported a need for training in the preparation of fresh produce at home, thus inspiring our cooking program. Our approach to meeting the needs of this community is thoughtful and nuanced. This approach parallels the thoughtful reporting and programming of public radio and will appeal to KUT listeners.”

Sustainable Food Center Mission Statement: SFC promotes access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.

Major Activities and Services: SFC has three programs:

1. The Farm Marketing Program allows Central Texans to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers at SFC’s downtown Austin Farmers’ Market, a mid-week market at Plaza Saltillo, and two farm stands. SFC also facilitates a farm to cafeteria program in which a local farmer provides fresh, local produce to the cafeterias in the Seton Healthcare Network. A new initiative that SFC is developing is a farm to school project through which local schoolchildren can enjoy farm fresh foods in school lunches.
2. The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ (THK/LAC™) equips individuals, families, and institutions to make positive changes in food selection, preparation, and consumption. This program includes cooking classes and nutrition demonstrations.
3. The Community and Youth Gardening Program provides training and supplies for gardeners to grow their own food and “spread their harvest” to their low-income neighbors and area food pantries.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteers are invited to the Sustainable Food Center website and see their list of volunteer positions. They can also be contacted at (512) 236-0074.

SFC needs general volunteers in Website Management, Photography, Videography, E-letter and Newsletter Development, Database Management, Filing, Copying, Event Coordination, Archival Assistance.

They have a staffmember who helps to recruit and track volunteers. Each program trains and manages their own volunteers.

The criteria for selecting and placing volunteers are skill level in area of service, experience, fluency in both English and Spanish (only required for some placements), availability, background check is required for volunteer placements with children. Farm Marketing – Seeking:

1. Coordinator of Chef Demonstration at the Austin Farmers’ Market (AFM)
2. AFM Set-up and Break-down Crew
3. AFM Information Booth Staff
4. AFM Kids Activity Coordinator
5. Media and Public Relations Volunteers

The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ – Seeking:

1. Presenters and Booth Staffers for Community Events
2. Translators for Cookbooks and Other Written Materials
3. Marketing Volunteers
4. Office Support (data entry, copying, filing, etc.)

Community and Youth Gardening – Seeking:

1. Master Gardener Trainers and Consultants #School Garden Bed Designers and Builders
2. Gardening Workshop Technical Assistants
3. Gardening Workshop Marketing Assistants
4. Coordinator of School Gardening Mentor Program
5. Office Support (data entry, copying, filing, etc.)

Contact Information: Molly Jensen 512.236.0074 ext. 7 FAX: 512.236.0098 1106 Clayton Lane #480 W Austin, TX 78723

For More Information about Sustainable Food Center, visit their website at http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org.

— Karen Hein