Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is asking chefs and restaurant owners who buy local ingredients to participate in the Third Annual GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up September 27 through October1.

During the statewide dine-out week, restaurants are invited to offer special Texas menu items or a Texas food-and-wine pairing. During the event, consumers around the state will be encouraged to dine out in support of Texas chefs, farmers, ranchers and food banks.

"We invite chefs around the state to step up to the Lone Star plate and serve the best of Texas," Commissioner Staples said. "The GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up helps everyone stay connected to the land around them while enjoying Texas-grown products at local restaurants and supporting Texas food banks. It provides chefs the opportunity to highlight the bounty of quality ingredients offered by our hardworking agriculture producers."

Launched in January 2008, the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program includes more than 500 establishments. To qualify, restaurants must be located in Texas and serve Texas products.

A portion of the Restaurant Round-Up's proceeds will benefit local food banks, which are seeing heavier demand due to current economic challenges.

The GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up also kicks off Texas Wine Month in October.