By buying in bulk, families can realize significant savings. Also, food clubs encourage families to plan their food needs weeks in advance, pre-empting impulse purchases at the checkout aisle that destroy tight food budgets. An essential step in improving Austinites' access to good food is to increase support for local food production. The first task is to stimulate regional agricultural production and to find ways to connect farms with the city. By including farmers markets in downtown revitalization plans, increasing the purchase of local produce for government food programs and highlighting local fruits and vegetables in our stores with bright signs, planners can buttress a vibrant local farm economy which could then serve as the foundation for Austin's community food security.
Urban gardening is an important form of local food production.
Gardening in the city is cheap and rewarding. Vacant land is plentiful in East Austin, and owners who donate use of their lands in return will see empty lots well maintained. Water could be subsidized by the city at little cost compared to the amount spent on emergency feeding programs. Local farmers are happy to share their knowledge of plants with gardeners. Finally, the Travis County Agricultural Extension Service has a horticulturist on staff to assist local gardeners.