Anyone from the San Antonio area will tell you it can be a challenge to locate local food. This is in part a product of the climate, in part (like other cities) a by-product of Americans opting for convenience.
But things are changing. As noted here, in the last few years several more farmers market and roadside produce stands have popped up across town. And, to their great credit, the San Antonio Express-News has made what appears to be a concentrated effort to feature area farmers, creating an important locavore narrative that is helping to educate consumers on their options.
Into this situation comes one local foodie who saw a need to connect small farms and dairies with San Antonio consumers.
"I'm obsessed with the freshness of local food," notes Sylvie Shurgot, a local realtor. "Most people still don't know where to eat local."
A former math professor who studied environmental science in graduate school, Shurgot saw the Internet as a vehicle through which growers and consumers could connect.
"I toyed with the idea for a long time, and bought a domain name in March or April--just in time for the farmers markets to open up," she says.
Today, San Antonio Foodshed and its companion blog are up and running. The former contains links to farms, dairies and vineyards located within 70 miles of the city. Shurgot also cites the handful of CSAs now available. Readers can also connect with local farmers markets.
"The site has had an excellent reaction," says Shurgot. "I'm still working on it, but the farmers already like the advertising."
Explore More:
San Antonio Foodshed
San Antonio Foodshed Blog
FoodRoutes.org
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