Locally raised beef, chicken, etc (Greater Houston area)?

[Lisa0825]

I have been reading about the health and environmental benefits of buying local and organic, and want to support this type of production by purchasing from them, but I have not found much in this area, other than going into Houston for thhe Farmer's Market, which sounds kind of hit or miss from what I have read. I plan to grow my own veggies this summer, and, I'd like to buy meat raised locally as well.

I have been trying to find a place to purchase it, but haven't had much luck. Some places only sell at the Houston Farmer's Markets, with very limited hours. And even then, it sounded like it was whatever was left after the members' orders were filled. Most will only sell packages by the month, and it's way too much for a single person to be worth the price. Does anyone know of any Houston-Galveston area meat markets (with local suppliers and organic/pasture raised livestock) with decent hours, or farms open on the weekends within a couple hours' drive?

edited to add: I totally forgot about Whole Foods... can anyone tell me what their meats are like? Are they local?

[Lithos]

1. Whole Foods buys local

Whenever they can. Same with HEB and their upscale Central Market. Some meats just aren't grown locally in quantity, so they do go outside. But at least from an Austin perspective, both do a good job buying in the region. Both have a fairly good selection of free-range/organic meats that avoid the industrial "Jungle" slaughterhouse where a lot of secondary problems occur.

Also very good luck with their fruits/veggies to a large degree.

One other thing I like is that they often mark the source of their products.

L-

[sonias]

2. Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

http://www.tofga.org/

They have a Local Food Locater utility
http://www.tofga.org/index.php?page=34

If you know of any local grown food growers in your area, make sure they get listed. Tell them about TOFGA.

Believe it or not, there are also organic meat sellers via the Internet too.

Ross Farm and Betsy Ross's Grass-fed Beef. Whole Foods in Austin carries their beef and People's Pharmacy stores too.
http://www.rossfarm.com/

Sonia

[momrois]

3. Try this place out

I've just signed up, and I don't know about the quality. Their Web site does have links to organic, close-by if not locally grown meats as well.

http://www.homesweetfarm.com/

[Longhorn]

4. Welcome to DU and the Texas Forum!

:hi:

[sonias]

5. Welcome to DU momrois

I have to say I love your avatar icon. From one Molly Ivin's lover to another. :hug:


Sonia