Newsletter Editor Nicholas here, I got to spend some time last month at Mission San Juan where the San Antonio Food Bank manages 45 acres of farmland.

After a tour with Director of Food Sustainability Mitch Hagney and President and CEO Eric Cooper, I was able to help harvest a fresh batch of crops with the Food Bank's team which would then be distributed throughout the Alamo City.

Let's grow into it.

The farms

The San Antonio Food Bank manages two farms; its HQ at 5200 Historic Old Hwy. 90, and — through a land use agreement with the National Park Service — at Mission San Juan, totaling over a combined 70 acres of agriculture space.

Fun fact: The Mission San Juan Farm uses a 300 year-old acequia to irrigate the land — the same way the San Juan stewards used to do. | Photo by SATXtoday team

At Mission San Juan, the crops are in constant seasonal rotation. This season in particular I witnessed a harvest of red + green peppers, lettuce, broccoli, figs, and amaranth.

I even got to taste the first fig harvest of the season and a cactus-like plant which had the acidity and flavor of a lemon, making it perfect for a salad.

Where does the food go?

Once the crops have been harvested, the food is then dispersed throughout the Alamo City in a couple of ways. The first of which is local restaurant partnerships — think: Pharm Table and The Jerk Shack — and the other is at its farmers market at PicaPica Plaza, where fresh produce is SNAP eligible.

Getting involved

Being able to meet the team and volunteer with them was truly an experience I won't forget. If getting outdoors and cultivating food resources that help our community interest you, consider volunteering during its farm + garden days.

For even more volunteer opportunities, check out our City Guide.