Big Tex Urban Farms Reached Two Million Servings
The Dallas-based program has provided 2 million servings of fresh produce to South Dallas organizations since its 2016 launch.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Organic Food
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Operating out of the Errol McKoy Greenhouse, Big Tex Urban Farms has officially reached the milestone of providing 2 million servings of produce to local nonprofits. The project relies on hydroponic technology to grow crops in limited urban spaces.
Why it matters
The program addresses food access in South Dallas while providing agricultural education to local students. By donating its entire harvest, the initiative demonstrates a sustainable model for urban farming and community support.
Big Tex Urban Farms donates 100% of its harvested food, which includes microgreens, mushrooms, and dragon fruit. The operation runs year-round inside the Errol McKoy Greenhouse using soil-free hydroponic systems.
The players
Big Tex Urban Farms
This agricultural initiative operates within the Errol McKoy Greenhouse to provide fresh, hydroponically grown food to the local community.
CityLab High School
This educational institution partners with the farm to offer students professional training in agricultural science and food systems.
State Fair of Texas
This event organization funds the farming program through a portion of its annual revenue and hosts the greenhouse facility on its grounds.
The details
The program utilizes a portion of revenue from the State Fair of Texas to maintain its year-round operations. In collaboration with CityLab High School, the farm offers students hands-on training to prepare them for potential careers in agriculture.
Timeline
Big Tex Urban Farms launched its operations in 2016.
The program celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026.
Staff are available at the greenhouse from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair.
Culture Shift
The farm aligns with the broader rise of urban agriculture initiatives recognized by the USDA's urban agriculture and innovative production grant programs. It represents a shift toward localized food systems that bypass traditional supply chains to serve city-based populations.
Residents in South Dallas benefit from the consistent donation of fresh produce to local nonprofit organizations. Those interested in the operation can visit the greenhouse during the State Fair of Texas to learn about hydroponic growing methods.
The takeaway
Urban hydroponic systems offer a viable way to produce fresh food even in high-density city environments. Residents can support similar initiatives by seeking out local programs that turn underutilized space into productive agricultural hubs.
Further reading
For more information on local sustainable produce, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
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