Building Healthy Food Systems for Future Generations.
Supporting small farmers, regenerative agriculture, and resilient local communities.
01 — Our beliefThe Council for Healthy Food Systems believes that every bite we eat has a profound impact on the health of our planet and its people. While this might seem like an overstatement, it becomes clear when we examine the dominant ways food is grown, transported, packaged, and distributed — practices that harm our water and air, degrade the soil, exploit animals, and ultimately jeopardize our health.
Our mission is to educate, build capacity, and foster community for diversified, regenerative, and small-scale producers, ensuring their protection and growth as essential components of a healthy food system.
The Council for Healthy Food Systems
Why It Matters
Modern industrial food systems often contribute to:
- Soil degradation
- Water and air pollution
- Loss of local farms
- Poor health outcomes
- Unsustainable food practices
We believe healthy food systems start with healthy farms, healthy soil, and informed communities.
Four roots of a healthy food system.
Healthy Soil
It all starts underground. Living soil holds water, stores carbon, and buffers Texas land against drought and flood — from soil's role in drought mitigation to soil & human health.
Healthy Animals
Animals raised on pasture, with care — poultry, meat, and seafood. We share what humane, regenerative animal agriculture really looks like.
Healthy People
What is 'real food,' where do you find it, and what does it truly cost? We help families understand real food — and feed their kids well.
Healthy Environment
Food and nature are inseparable. Placing a value on nature, the food–environment connection, and the next steps every Texas community can take.
Educational Programs & Events
CHFS hosts workshops, trainings, and community events designed for:
Groundwork: Farmer Training Program
A hands-on program helping new and established farmers build regenerative, profitable operations from the ground up. iiOn the Farm Tours: Conservation in Action
Guided visits that show conservation and regenerative practices working on real Texas farms. iiiProfiting Through Conservation for Texas Farmers
How stewardship of soil, water, and land can strengthen a farm's bottom line. ivProfiting from Pastured Animals Workshops
Practical, profitable approaches to raising animals on pasture, humanely and regeneratively. vSouth Texas EcoFarming Workshops
Region-specific ecological farming training for growers across South Texas. viThe Larry Butler Memorial Scholarship
Honoring a Texas farming legacy by supporting the next generation of regenerative growers.Our programs help producers build sustainable agriculture-based businesses while empowering communities to support healthier food systems.
Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference
In partnership with the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA)In partnership with FARFA, CHFS co-hosts the annual Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference. This event brings together independent farmers, educators, home gardeners, local food advocates, and consumers who care deeply about where their food comes from and how it is grown.
The harvest of a healthier food system.
Whether you're a farmer, gardener, advocate, or simply someone who eats — your support grows all of this.
Be part of it- 01 Stronger local economies
- 02 Healthier communities
- 03 Sustainable agriculture
- 04 Resilient local food systems
- 05 A better future for generations to come
Featured spotlights from the field.
Meet the independent growers, ranchers, and families putting regenerative practices to work across Texas — and see what a healthy food system looks like up close.
See the featured farmers
Two simple ways to help.
Your gift keeps small farms growing.
Every contribution funds farmer training, on-farm tours, workshops, and the conference — direct support for the people who feed Texas.
Tax-deductible · 501(c)(3) · gifts stay in Texas
We'd love to stay connected.
Whether you're a farmer, gardener, food advocate, or simply passionate about healthy communities, we'd love to stay connected. Join our newsletter for updates, events, and resources.