The City of Austin is committed to building a more just and sustainable food system for all. Research and policy help us take informed steps toward this goal.
We've partnered with the Central Texas Food Bank to create the Central Texas Food System Dashboard, which compiles key data and indicators on the food system, allowing partners to collectively monitor and evaluate our progress toward achieving our food system goals. We're also working closely with the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board so that they can best advise both the Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court on ways to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally grown, affordable, and sustainable food for all residents, particularly those in need.
Read on for more information about policy and research related to Austin's food system.
- Learn About the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board
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The Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board advises both the Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court about ways to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally-grown, affordable, and sustainable food for all residents, particularly those in need. The purpose of the Food Policy Board is to:
- Address health disparities
- Increase local sustainable food production
- End food injustices
- Ensure the community has a voice in policy decisions that support a healthy and equitable food system
Meetings
Visit the Boards and Commissions Information Center or sign up for Austin Food Notes for updated meeting dates and times. Recommendations
View a full list of all Food Policy Board Recommendations since its founding in 2009. Get Involved
Do you have experience to share on a food-related issue? Would you like to represent your community in a more engaged way?
If you’re interested in getting involved in the Food Policy Board, sign up for Austin Food Notes, a newsletter about all things related to the food system in Austin.
- Explore Research and Reports
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The reports below offer information about Austin’s food system and what the City is doing to make it more equitable and healthy.
The Austin/Travis County Food Plan (October 2024, PDF, 13.4MB) received official support from both Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court in October 2024. It sets clear goals and strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system.
The State of the Food System Report (September 2022; PDF, 2.5MB) features the latest available data on food in the Austin area while outlining key barriers and opportunities in the current food system, which set the stage for creating Austin's first-ever Food Plan. See the data sources used for this report. (PDF, 1.4MB)
Leer el informe en español. (PDF, 4MB)
The Supply Chain Vulnerability Assessment (July 2023; PDF, 4.5MB) analyzes the strengths, barriers, and threats affecting our local food system. Through extensive interviews and focus groups with partners across food supply chains, the consultant team uncovered important and timely information that helped inform the first-ever Austin/Travis County Food Plan. Older Publications
- Covid-19 Food Needs in Travis County 2-1-1 Call Analysis Summary Reports (March-November 2020)
- 2018 State of the Food System Report (October 2018; PDF, 2.5MB)
- Food Access in Austin (2017)
- Austin Healthy Food Access Initiative: Improving Access to Good and Affordable Food (July 2016; PDF, 2MB)
- 2015 State of the Food System Report (April 2015; PDF, 12.4MB)
- Food For All: Inclusive Neighborhood Food Planning in North Austin (July 2016; PDF, 3MB)
- View City Council Resolutions Related to Food
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City Council Resolutions are statements of position or policy, and often direct City staff to take specific action. The following resolutions pertain to local food system issues.
2024
2021
2016
2013
2012
2009
Find your seat at the table!
Learn more about how the City of Austin is supporting a more just and sustainable local food system by exploring the Austin/Travis County Food Plan.