Our Story,

Our Roots

Who We Are

Founded in 2012 as Galveston’s first and only year-round, producers-only farmers market, Groundswell (formerly Galveston’s Own Farmers Market) has grown into one of the island’s most trusted anchors for health and connection. What began as a small gathering place has evolved into a community hub that uses food as a common denominator to unite neighbors, address inequities, and build resilience. Over time, we organically grew beyond the market itself—expanding in direct response to the needs of our community.

Today, our programs reflect that growth.

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market remains the beating heart of our work, a vibrant marketplace that supports local growers, fuels the island’s small business economy, and serves as one of Galveston’s most inclusive “third spaces.”
Young Gardeners Program teaches students to grow and harvest food while leveraging each campus garden as an outdoor classroom that fosters confidence, curiosity and academic success.
Food Access Program ensures families, seniors, and individuals can afford fresh, local food at the farmers market by amplifying benefits and removing barriers to access.
Victory Gardens Program transforms public spaces into thriving, productive gardens where neighbors share in both harvest and connection.
Real Food Project hosts community meals and cooking classes that bring people together around healthy, home-cooked food and practical education.

Groundswell is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Groundswell run by a small local staff, an all-volunteer Board of Directors and countless efforts and hours from volunteers in the community.

Our Mission

To build and sustain a local food community through a vibrant, producers-only marketplace, improved food access, and educational programming

Core Values

Integrity

We aim to build trust by being transparent, accountable, and consistent. Whether vetting vendors or adding new garden sites, we honor our commitments and follow through with care.
Community

Our work is rooted in connection & partnership is the key to our impact. We’ve discovered over the years that we love to create welcoming spaces where neighbors belong, voices are valued, and disparate people come together with food as the common denominator.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

We believe everyone has the right to good food. Our programs prioritize
access for families, seniors, and children most affected by inequities while celebrating Galveston’s cultural diversity and food traditions.
Education

Knowledge is a seed we plant every day across all our programs. Whether it's hands-on gardening, cooking instruction for young mothers, leveraging our marketplace into a stage for sharing resources or measuring carrots with kindergarteners, we empower people of all ages with skills that foster confidence, health, and resilience.
Sustainability

We nurture solutions that endure. By building local food systems, teaching stewardship, and growing in climate-smart ways, we strengthen both our community and the natural environment that sustains us.