Agriculture is behind seven percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—that’s due to its transportation to your plate as well as fertilizer use, livestock, and electricity use. And once you include the energy and emissions embedded in the modern factory food system, that greenhouse gas percentage is closer to 30 percent. Many Austinites reduce that burden—and save money—by growing their own produce at home or in one of the city’s 18 community gardens, which cover more than 100 acres.

In August 2011, the New Day Community Garden in East Austin was the first to earn the new City-Endorsed Community Garden designation, which allows gardens to obtain water tap permits, exempts them from paying substantial fees associated with the installation of water infrastructure, and allows the City to recognize community gardens as legitimate entities. Other new City of Austin programs are in the works to further support community gardens helmed by community members, increasing Austin’s food security. There are also more than 10 farms in Austin and 114 in the five-county region. Their goods are available at large local farmers’ markets throughout the week, neighborhood markets and stands, and community supported agriculture programs all over Austin.