North Lamar International Merchants Association Adds “Food Forest” Community Garden To Enhance District

AUSTIN, TX – The North Lamar International Merchants Association, in collaboration with the City of Austin Economic Development Department and Austin Community Tree Preservation Board, is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new “Food Forest” style community garden on November 23 at 1310 Kramer Lane.

The Food Forest is the newest feature of the North Lamar International District centered at Braker and North Lamar Blvd.

This business district includes one of the greatest diversities of restaurants and retailers in Austin, with cuisine and heritage representing counties around the world.

The North Lamar International Merchants Association Board of Directors says “The North Lamar International District Food Forest will be open to the community to enjoy as a green space and, once the plants are mature enough to produce, anyone is welcome to harvest their fruit, free of charge.

The goal of the Food Forest is to address the critical need for every person, regardless of income, to have access to fresh, healthy, organic food, and to contribute to the beauty of the community…”

Food Forest Ribbon Cutting
Friday, November 23, 1:00-2:30pm
1310 Kramer Lane
Austin, TX 78758

The Food Forest was made possible through the generous support provided by the North Lamar International District Board and business members along with TreeFolks, Austin Parks Department, Austin Park Rangers, Downtown Austin Community Court, and the City of Austin Economic Development Department Souly Austin program.

The Souly Austin program provided support for the North Lamar International District merchants to coalesce into an active merchant association whose mission is to improve the district.

The Food Forest is one such project where member businesses can participate in the mission by donating trees, plants, and other park amenities.

Other Souly Austin supported projects include the installation of distinctive gateway flags and landscaping at Braker and Lamar, district lamppost banners, and launching the AsianEats Night Market in partnership with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.

North Lamar International Merchants Association will bring forward more innovations soon, including a District Passport program, to reward people to repeatedly enjoy the district.

“The Food Forest as a public greenspace and community garden adds to the vibrant energy the North Lamar International Merchants Association has brought to their district,” shared Veronica Briseño, Director of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. “The association is leading efforts to organize businesses, attract new patrons and visitors, and support their local community.”

For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/soulyatx.