For residents in Homestead Estates and across Elgin, access to fresh, locally grown produce just got a little easier—and more meaningful.

Austin Community College’s (ACC) Sustainable Student Farm in Elgin has officially opened its weekly, student-run farm stands, offering chemical-free vegetables and farm products grown right in the community. Beyond convenience, the initiative gives neighbors a chance to directly support student education while bringing farm-to-table living closer to home.

A Local Food Source Just Minutes From Home

Located at the Austin Community College Elgin Campus at 1501 US-290, Elgin, TX 78621, the ACC Sustainable Student Farm is now hosting farm stands every Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., making it a convenient stop for nearby neighborhoods like Homestead Estates.

The farm stand begins in the market room in Building 2000 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., then transitions to the foyer of Building 1000, creating multiple opportunities for visitors to stop by.

For residents searching for fresh produce in Elgin or local farm stands in Elgin, this weekly market offers a hyper-local answer—produce grown just minutes away, often harvested the same day.

More Than a Farm Stand—A Hands-On Learning Experience

What sets the ACC Elgin farm stand apart is the people behind it. Every item sold is grown, harvested, and marketed by students in the ACC Agricultural Sciences Department, who are gaining real-world experience in sustainable agriculture and business operations.

The 17-acre ACC Sustainable Student Farm serves as a working educational environment where students learn:

• Greenhouse and market garden operations
• Livestock care and management
• Beekeeping and pollination practices
• Farm-to-market sales and customer engagement

Through the farm stands, students don’t just grow food—they learn how to run a farm as a business, preparing them for careers in agriculture, sustainability, and local food systems.

For the Elgin community, that means each purchase contributes directly to student success, with 100% of proceeds reinvested into educational programs.

Expanding Access Across Central Texas

While the Elgin campus is the closest option for Homestead Estates residents, ACC has expanded access to its farm-fresh produce across the region:

• Mondays: Elgin Campus | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesdays: Highland Campus (Austin) | 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: Elgin Farmers Market | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (extended hours until 9 p.m. every second Thursday)

This growing presence reflects a broader movement toward local food systems in Central Texas, where communities are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, transparency, and support for local growers.

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A Way for Residents to Get Involved

For those looking to do more than shop, the ACC Sustainable Student Farm also offers Volunteer Fridays, giving community members a chance to step into the field and connect more deeply with how their food is grown.

• September – May: Fridays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• June – July: Fridays, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• August: Volunteer program pauses due to summer conditions

While volunteer opportunities are primarily open to ACC students, faculty, and staff, the program highlights the farm’s broader mission—building community through shared agricultural experiences.

Residents interested in learning more about the program or connecting with the farm can reach out to Matthew Olson, Farm Manager, at matthew.olson@austincc.edu or Savannah Rugg, Department Chair, at savannah.rugg@austincc.edu. 

Why It Matters for Elgin and Homestead Estates

As Elgin continues to grow, access to local, sustainable food sources is becoming an increasingly important part of community life. Initiatives like the ACC Sustainable Student Farm help:

• Strengthen local food security
• Support educational pathways for students
• Keep dollars circulating within the community
• Offer residents healthier, transparent food options

For families in Homestead Estates, it’s not just about convenience—it’s about participating in something that reflects the values of the community: education, sustainability, and local connection.

What Happens Next

With the farm stands now open for the season, residents can expect a rotating selection of fresh produce depending on harvest cycles, as well as continued opportunities to engage with students and learn more about sustainable agriculture in Elgin.

As interest in local food continues to grow across Bastrop County and Central Texas, the ACC Sustainable Student Farm is positioned to remain a steady, community-centered resource.

For ongoing updates on local initiatives, events, and opportunities that impact Homestead Estates and the greater Elgin area, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.