Central Texas Food Bank

The Central Texas Food Bank is proud to join the Armed Services YMCA Killeen in celebrating the opening of the Five Star Food Market in downtown Killeen. Designed to serve active duty service members, veterans and their families, this pantry reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every neighbor has access to nutritious food and resources. With over 215,000 pounds of food distributed at the ASYMCA Harker Heights pantry last year, this new location expands our ability to strengthen the Killeen community and support those who have served. “I can’t think of anyone greater to serve than those who served us.” - CTFB President and CEO Sari M. Vatske A special thank you to keynote speaker and marine, Walker Bush for his support of this mission. By providing the food and equipment, we’re demonstrating how partnerships can create lasting change. Together, we’re reducing hunger in Central Texas.

🎉 Last week, our volunteer space was filled with energy and community spirit, thanks to these amazing corporate groups: 🌟 Fort Cavazos 🌟 Applied Materials 🌟 Whole Foods Market 🌟 Canva 🌟 YETI 🌟 Kendra Scott 🌟 Austin Independent School District Central Office Your hard work — sorting, packing, and building boxes — ensures nutritious food reaches families across Central Texas. Together, we’re building stronger communities and brighter futures. Thank you for showing the power of teamwork and making an impact! Want to get your team involved? Learn more about group volunteer opportunities at https://bit.ly/3WdsvuP.

Join Us to Contend to End Hunger! This holiday season, 1 in 6 Central Texans will face food insecurity—but together, we can make a real difference. From November 18 to December 13, rally your company for our Contend to End Hunger corporate challenge. It’s a friendly competition where companies compete to raise funds that provide nutritious meals and vital resources for our neighbors. ✨ Ready to take on the challenge? Sign up your company today, and let’s turn this season of giving into a season of change. Join here: https://lnkd.in/g6r38VUn

On National Philanthropy Day, we celebrated the power of service with special guest Camila Alves McConaughey, who joined our President and CEO Sari M. Vatske and our team at the Veterans Affairs Clinic in South Austin for a mobile food pantry event. Council Member José Velásquez and Council Member Vanessa Fuentes's Chief of Staff also volunteered, demonstrating how acts of kindness strengthen our community. As we move into the holiday season, your support is crucial. Every donation makes a lasting difference, and with our matching grants through November and December, every dollar is matched! We also encourage you to consider volunteering in January and February, to help us meet the growing needs of our neighbors. Together, let’s turn today’s recognition into lasting change. To donate or volunteer, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gEa4xqn

Future Food Bankers in the making! Meet Sophia and Simon, two of our incredible Youth Ambassadors. Our President and CEO, Sari M. Vatske, recently spotted them in South Austin running a neighborhood food drive! It was a reminder of the powerful impact young leaders can have in our community. Since 2021, Sophia and Simon have dedicated their time to nourishing lives and strengthening their neighborhood, year after year. Thank you, Sophia and Simon! You are making a difference! Through our Youth Ambassador Program, we're thrilled to empower passionate young individuals like them, showing how each of us—regardless of age—can work toward a hunger-free future. 🌟 Interested in joining them? Learn more about our Youth Ambassador Program and how you can help create lasting change in Central Texas:https://bit.ly/3CuwjDh #CentralTexasFoodBank

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: https://lnkd.in/eD-uxm8 #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.