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Our Commitment to Safety

Updated November 5, 2020

At SFC, we’re taking seriously the impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on our community – our staff and volunteers, our partner agencies, and our program participants. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that everyone stays healthy during this rapidly evolving public health situation. We are also concerned about the economic impact on local growers as well as the food access impact for our low-income neighbors.

These are unsettling times, with the potential for our programs, work, and timelines to be disrupted. In an effort to take every precaution and prioritize health and safety, SFC has closed our physical office to the public until further notice, with our staff working from home, except for participation in essential community activities that are needed to keep farms in business and families nourished by healthy, local food. If you need to contact SFC Staff, please email or call.

SFC Farmers’ Markets Downtown and Sunset Valley are still open every Saturday morning from 9 am-1 pm. At this time, the City of Austin and Travis County are equating farmers' markets in the category of grocery stores and therefore exempt from closure. Double Up Food Bucks is still available at our markets and at the Texas Farmers' Markets.

We remain in communication with the City of Austin regarding any potential for suspension or closure of our markets. We are keeping the community informed about the markets via social media, our newsletter, and on our website.

To ensure the safety of our customers, vendors, and staff, we are taking extra precautions. Please read more here »

Impacts on other SFC Programs:

  • The Happy Kitchen: Our free community cooking class series has resumed virtually this fall.

  • SFC Team Building: We have pivoted our team building offering to virtual cooking classes or socially distanced garden activities.

  • Reports and Staff Response Times: Please be patient with us as we navigate the impact of this change on our ability to meet anticipated community deadlines and needs. We will do everything in our power to respond as quickly as possible.

To ensure your personal safety, follow the steps recommended by Austin Public Health:

  • Wear a mask in public spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough with your elbow or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces