Commissioner Staples Encourages Texans to Eat Local, Support Texas Farmers, Ranchers During GO TEXAN Restaurant Round Up
July 22, 2013
AUSTIN — Recognizing Texas-grown food and beverages are big on flavor and nutrition and provide a major impact on the Texas economy, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today encouraged diners to support Texas farmers and ranchers by eating at restaurants participating in the sixth annual GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, presented by Farm Credit, between July 22-28. GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up is the only weeklong, statewide dine-out event in Texas showcasing more than 400 restaurants that serve the finest locally-produced food and beverages.
“When you dine out, make sure the restaurant serves fresh food straight from a Texas farm or ranch,” Commissioner Staples said. “The GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up brings together the best offerings of Texas produce, meats, cheeses and beverages through the creativity of our local chefs. By dining out during the Round-Up, consumers give back to our economy and help contribute to area food banks.”
Along with supporting Texas farmers and ranchers, the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up helps feed hungry Texans. Participating Round-Up restaurants have pledged to donate more than $40,000 to local food banks. That money will allow Texas food banks to provide more than 300,000 meals for hungry Texans. That’s eating out for a good cause.
“The Texas Food Bank Network thanks all of the restaurants participating in the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up for their support of our efforts to feed the hungry,” said Celia Cole, CEO of the Texas Food Bank Network. "Over one-in-four children—1.9 million children—in Texas are at risk of hunger, threatening their ability to grow into healthy and productive adults. Our 21 member food banks distributed enough food last year to provide over 2.3 million meals and serve over three million needy Texans. Support from local businesses like the GO TEXAN restaurants helps us nourish needy Texans in every community across the state.”
Farm Credit Bank of Texas has generously sponsored the statewide dine-out event since its inception six years ago.
“The GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up is a great way to highlight the connection between the agriculture industry and the consumer,” said Stan Ray, chief administrative officer for Farm Credit Bank of Texas. “As a lender to the agriculture industry, we’re proud to be part of an event that supports the hardworking farmers and ranchers we serve, while supporting local economies and food banks throughout the state.”
Across the Lone Star State, GO TEXAN restaurants will highlight special meal options made with ingredients such as beef, poultry, pork, seafood and produce all grown and raised in Texas. Many restaurants will pair these meals with the best of Texas wines, beer and other beverages made right here in the Lone Star State.
“Using local ingredients is a vital component to a strong, healthy economy,” said Kerbey Lane Executive Chef Joel Welch. “By incorporating local products in our business, we are insuring that the suppliers of these products prosper and thrive in what might otherwise be a scary economical time. Kerbey Lane Café participates in the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up to support the community that built us 30 plus years ago. We pride ourselves in being one of the original Austin locavores.”
Several participating sponsors have donated exciting prizes for the general public, including bed and breakfast stays, gift certificates for wine, restaurants and gift boxes.
For more dine-out information, a list of participating restaurants and prize giveaways, visit www.GOTEXANRestaurantRoundUp.com. To find local restaurants near you committed to serving Texas-produced items, download the free GO TEXAN app for iPhone® and Android™ smartphone users.