There’s something special happening in Bastrop.
Every month, the Bastrop Community Senior Center fills with neighbors. There, they find connection, support, and renewed purpose through Central Texas Food Bank’s (CTFB) Golden Harvest Farmers Market Program – a market-style distribution program centered around fresh produce.
Golden Harvest Farmers Market is more than a food distribution. It’s a movement to bring nutritious food directly to older adults in a way that’s dignified, joyful, and full of life. Just ask Cathy Metcalf, President of the Bastrop Community Senior Center. She’s witnessed the impact of the program firsthand — from both sides of the aisle.
“I’ve participated with [CTFB] for about six years now, both receiving and helping distribute food,” she shared. “With seniors, a lot of them have food insecurities. They choose between medicine and food — especially fresh produce, which is often the last thing they buy if they have any money left.”
When the idea for Golden Harvest Farmers Market came to Bastrop, it was through a partnership sparked by a sustainable food class hosted at the center. Project Coordinator at Bastrop County Cares, Jackie May, connected the dots and the community to make it happen.
Cathy was all in. “Rachel [CTFB’s Senior Programs Manager] came in and made it so organized. We had 140 applicants right off the bat. That tells you the need. Some seniors feel forgotten. But this program reminds them — they matter.”
Cooking Up Confidence
Among the attendees at the latest distribution were Kathy and Mike Turner, longtime members of the center. They were drawn in by the momentum Golden Harvest Farmers Market is building.
Kathy recently took part in the six-week nutrition class offered at the senior center.
“It was a wonderful class. I wish I’d had it years ago,” she said. “We learned to cook healthier meals, and it was fun to try new recipes with ingredients I normally wouldn’t buy. Now I make the cookie recipe from that class all the time!”
Mike added, “We’ve never experienced anything like this in other places we’ve lived. It’s a really good thing.”
Golden Harvest Farmers Market not only helps neighbors put nutritious food on the table — it also encourages exploration. Kathy and Mike walked away from the event with leeks and papayas, two ingredients they’d never tried before.
More Than a Meal
The senior center has seen a rise in membership since the program launched, and Cathy Metcalf says that’s no coincidence.
“This distribution is creating new relationships and reminding people that they’re not alone. Seniors are feeling useful and included again.”
And it’s not just about food — it’s about reducing stigma.
“There are folks here who aren’t as financially secure,” Kathy Turner said. “But this event brings everyone together. Nobody cares what kind of car you drive — you just show up and enjoy the food.”
Looking ahead, both Cathy and the Turners hope to see the program continue and expand.
“They ought to do it with some regularity,” Mike said. “It’s been one of the biggest and best events we’ve had at the senior center.”
Communities Nourished
The Golden Harvest Farmers Market initiative shows what’s possible when access meets dignity. There are currently six distribution sites across CTFB’s 21-county service area.
With fresh produce, new skills, and strong partnerships, older adults are finding more than meals — they’re rediscovering connection, confidence, and joy.
To support this work or learn more about our programs for older adults, visit CentralTexasFoodBank.org.
