State Fair greenhouse marks 10 years, 2 million servings of produce for South Dallas

A greenhouse tucked near the Midway at the State Fair of Texas has helped put more than 2 million servings of fresh produce on tables in the South Dallas neighborhoods around Fair Park.

Big Tex Urban Farms marks its 10th anniversary in 2026. It started in 2016 as a small set of planter boxes in a parking lot. Today it fills the Errol McKoy Greenhouse near the Texas Star Ferris wheel and uses hydroponic systems to grow food all year. The farm reached 1 million servings in 2022. The harvest is mostly leafy greens like lettuce and collard greens, along with cucumbers, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.

The State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit, and part of what fairgoers spend helps pay for the program. Director of Horticulture Drew Demler told NBC 5 that a share of corny dog sales and Ferris wheel rides funds Big Tex Urban Farms and programs like it. "We also donate 100% of the food that we grow to different nonprofit groups here in Southern Dallas," Demler said. Restore Fair Park reports that partners have included the Juanita Craft Recreation Center, TR Hoover Community Development Corporation, 4DWM and the Jubilee Park Food Pantry. That matters in an area where many neighborhoods are considered food deserts.

The greenhouse is also a classroom. Through a partnership with CityLab High School in Dallas, students spend a semester learning how the operation runs. "By the time they're done, the students know how to do every job in the greenhouse," Demler said. He added that some graduates of the program have gone on to study horticulture or environmental science in college. The greenhouse also hosts tours and field trips.

This story is based on original reporting by NBC 5 DFW, with additional details from Restore Fair Park and the State Fair of Texas.