Across Texas, a state-run digital network is helping school cafeterias replace some far-traveled ingredients with food grown closer to home
For students, that can mean fresher fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins in school meals. For farmers and ranchers, it creates a more direct path to large, reliable buyers
Here’s what to know
As the Farm Fresh Network includes 198 producers statewide, with 24 in the Austin area program advancement director in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division. The Texas Department of Agriculture uses the network to link schools, child and adult care facilities, and summer meal programs with local food suppliers
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The program began in 2010 under Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s department and functions as an online database for farmers, ranchers, distributors, and other producers that want to sell to schools
Wise told Community Impact that the network stretches from the Panhandle to the coast. Products listed include beef, nuts, beans, berries, honey, and more
In the Austin area, participating businesses include Round Rock Honey Company, Hill Country Dairies, Hudson Meats, and Oatmeal and Company. Round Rock Honey Company founder Konrad Bouffard told Community Impact that the business
More background
Austin ISD is among the school systems using the Farm Fresh Network as a redsey Bradley. One of the district’s initiatives is the Nacho Average Food Truck, which visits high schools each spring
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With support from a Farm Fresh Student Engagement Grant, the district has served students meals made with Texas produce and meat, including pork from Houston-based Taylor Stevenson Ranch Meat Co
“With our buying power, we like to be able to support the Texas economy and to support Texas farmers, but we know, in turn, that it really is a big benefit to our students,” Bradley said. “A lot of our students may not have that opportunity at home to really taste the difference between, you know, a tomato or a pepper that’s grown right here in Texas versus one that’s shipped across the country to get to us.”
Community Impact reported that, during the 2022-2023 school year, schools in Texas spent $257.8 million on local foods, citing the USDA Food and Nutrition Service — up by over 70% from the 2019 Farm to School Census
The data also showed that 59% of Texas schools said students were eating more fruits and vegetables
What’s being done?
The department is also continuing the Farm Fresh Network Challenge, an annual October program that began in 2013. Schools are encouraged to serve several local foods, hold educational activities, and share updates on social media throughout the month
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Community Impact cited Texas Department of Agriculture data showing that schools spent $23.5 million on local products in October 2025 alone
Austin ISD participates each year. The district has highlighted seasonal produce, such as apples and sweet potatoes, and asked high school culinary students to create dishes using local ingredients
The district’s executive chef plans to work with culinary classes again to make cheese with local milk
For families inspired by those cafeteria changes, buying local produce more often and choosing more plant-forward meals at home can be a practical next step. You can also explore plant-based food options to stretch grocery budgets while keeping more fruits and vegetables in the mix
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Wise summed up the goal, saying, “We want Texans to know that we are trying to grow a Farm Fresh generation by serving local food in the cafeteria and child care centers and make sure those kids are healthy.”
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