Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Eduardo "Wayo" Longoria, co-founder of Casa de Luz in Austin, has been recognized as a Net-Zero Hero for his efforts in promoting health and community through sustainable plant-based dining. Since 1991, Casa de Luz has been a pioneer in offering whole, organic meals that align with the Austin/Travis County Food Plan's goals of fostering equitable and resilient food systems.
Longoria emphasizes the transformative power of neighborhood wellness communities. He states, "I am deeply committed to the belief that neighborhood wellness community villages hold the power to transform humanity in profound and meaningful ways." At Casa de Luz, this vision is realized through a non-profit model focused on universal health and communal dining experiences.
Casa de Luz began when Longoria started serving meals with Maryann Rose at her home in Clarksville after the East West Center burned down. In 1991, they opened Casa de Luz on Toomey Road using an abandoned meat processing facility. The menu consists solely of plant-based items made from fresh ingredients. Reflecting on this journey, Longoria shares his joy in seeing kids bring their parents to dine there: "This points to the future of humanity — when people go back to the natural way of connecting with the microbiome."
The Austin/Travis-County Food Plan supports pro-health and pro-climate diets, which Longoria believes are crucial for addressing social and health issues fundamentally. He explains that re-establishing connections with plants can significantly impact our lives and those around us.
Running Casa de Luz involves balancing business operations while centering values like sustainability and community connection. The organization operates cooperatively without focusing on profit or ownership. Volunteers help cook meals based on seasonal availability to minimize waste.
Longoria encourages others to support wellness community centers as they provide cost-effective meals that foster health and connection. He advises blending modernity with a fundamental connection to nature: "Support the establishment of wellness community centers in your neighborhoods."
To learn more about Austin's net-zero goal or nominate someone as a Net-Zero Hero, contact sustainability@austintexas.gov.
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