Central Texas Food Bank

Today, we honor and express our deepest gratitude to all veterans who have served our nation. Your sacrifices and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms are deeply appreciated, and your contributions to our national security are invaluable. As we reflect on your service, let us also recognize the importance of supporting our veterans in our communities. Together, we can ensure that those who have given so much receive the care and nourishment they deserve. Thank you for your service. #VeteransDay #CTFB #CentralTexasFoodBank

The KXAN Friendsgiving Challenge is back, and it's more exciting than ever! This year, we’re mixing things up with meteorologists Nick Bannin and Kristen Currie teaming up with the Evening and Morning Teams to see who can raise the most funds for the Food Bank. No matter which team comes out on top, your generous donation will help families in need this holiday season. Join us in making a difference by giving at https://bit.ly/40DYIRq

Every week companies roll up their sleeves and join us in our mission. This week UFCU, Texas Instruments, Hertz, Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP and C3 Presents helped staff our warehouse, sorting and packing area to provide nutritious food to our community. Each member brought passion and commitment to our vision of giving all Central Texas equitable access to nutritious food. THANK YOU! Feeling inspired? Come out and make a difference with us! Join us on the journey to a hunger-free Central Texas by signing up to volunteer today: https://bit.ly/3WdsvuP

Have you heard of Austin Empty Bowl Project? Proceeds from this event will support both the Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas, organizations dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has reliable access to nutritious food. This unique event, managed by the Austin Empty Bowl Project and hosted at the Central Texas Food Bank, showcases the creativity of local potters and artisans who have crafted beautiful bowls that connect art with our mission. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy delicious soups from local restaurants while supporting a meaningful cause. 🗓️ Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024 🕒 Time: Doors open at 11:00 a.m. 📍 Location: Central Texas Food Bank | 6500 Metropolis Drive Join us for a day of community and nourishment as we work together to fill empty bowls across Central Texas. #CentralTexasFoodBank #CTFB #AustinEmptyBowl #MealsOnWheels

Cody Wofford, our Router and Fleet Manager, plays an essential role in nourishing Central Texans by overseeing the routes and logistics that make our hunger-relief efforts possible. His hard work and passion for service continually expand our reach and improve the lives of our neighbors. Read more about Cody's story: https://bit.ly/3AdOJaH Thank you, Cody, for your commitment to efficiency, innovation, and the well-being of our community. Are you interested in making a meaningful impact? We’re hiring drivers for our transportation team to help create a hunger-free future for Central Texas. Apply today at bit.ly/CTFB-Careers.

Today, the Central Texas Food Bank had the honor of joining the 2024 Prosper Waco Summit. Our President and CEO, Sari M. Vatske, participated in a panel discussion about the Farm Bill and federal nutrition programs with U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, moderated by Dr. Jeremy K. Everett, DMin of Baylor University. And, our VP of Strategic Insights, Tracy Ayrhart, Ph.D. introduced a panel of local experts including Bob Gager, the Executive Director of Shepherd's Heart, one of our partner agencies. The Prosper Waco Summit is a unique opportunity for advocates, professionals, and community leaders to come together, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges Waco faces, and create strategies that drive meaningful change. For us, it’s about using our knowledge and resources to ensure that every Wacoan has access to affordable, nutritious food—helping us fulfill our mission of nourishing Central Texas.

Meet Angélica Cardona, a talented Business Analyst on our Strategic Insights team! Her dedication to service and passion for data-driven solutions are transforming the way we nourish Central Texas. 🌱 From her early volunteer work at food banks to her role today, Angelica ensures our data turns into meaningful action. Her efforts help us better serve our neighbors and expand access to nutritious food where it's needed most. We’re incredibly proud of her commitment and the impact she’s making for our community. Learn more about how Angelica is helping build a hunger-free future for Central Texas: https://bit.ly/48hj2cT

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve food flow and strengthen the food system, Central Texas Food Bank participated in HEB’s annual Produce Expo at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center last week. With HEB and produce vendors choosing to collaborate with us, CTFB was able to recover 22,949 pounds of fresh, high-quality produce, including pineapples, culinary mushrooms, berries and avocados. This partnership ensures that no nutritious food goes to waste and is instead distributed to our network of more than 240 partner agencies, feeding neighbors across 21 Central Texas counties. These kinds of collaborations are vital to our mission of providing equitable access to nutritious food and building a healthier, hunger-free community. Thank you to HEB and the participating vendors for making this possible. Together, we’re empowering our neighbors and creating meaningful change in the lives of thousands of families across our service area.

📸 Highlights from the recent "Nourishing Health" panel, where CTFB's Bella Kirchner, Vice President of Client Programs Services joined fellow experts in discussing innovative solutions to address food insecurity as a critical factor in community health.   In the session, the panel explored the challenges faced by health providers and systems in screening for food needs without having a direct way to intervene. Bella spotlighted our Mobile FARMacy program, which helps bridge this gap by providing fresh, nutritious food directly to those facing food insecurity.   It was inspiring to see so many committed to ensuring that access to food is a part of holistic health care. Together, we’re creating pathways to better health and nourishment for all.   #CTFB #MobileFARMacy

At the Central Texas Food Bank, we are committed to ensuring every neighbor has access to fresh, nutritious food. Our valued food industry partners—Walmart, Tyson, and Bimbo Bakeries—play an essential role in helping us nourish lives throughout Central Texas. Their donation of 30,000 pounds of lean protein and bread products strengthens our ability to offer balanced meals to families facing food insecurity, supporting their well-being and dignity. Partnerships like these are key to our diverse food sourcing strategy, ensuring we provide reliable access to nutritious food across the region. Together, we’re working to build a stronger, healthier community, one meal at a time. Learn more about how collaboration is creating lasting change in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/4eUvWQg