Non-Profit

 With the holidays in full swing and the New Year beckoning with promises of fresh starts and renewed purpose, the Central Texas Food Bank is calling on the Austin community—and all of Central Texas—to remember the power of giving back. Whether you have time to volunteer, food or funds to donate, or you need assistance putting meals on the table, the Food Bank is here to connect neighbors with neighbors in a season defined by generosity.

Giving Time: Volunteer Opportunities in Austin and Beyond

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Central Texas Food Bank, playing a critical role in making nutritious food accessible to over 530,000 food-insecure individuals across 21 Central Texas counties.

From sorting donations in the warehouse to preparing meals in the community kitchen, volunteers can choose from a variety of roles that match their interests and schedules. Weekday and weekend opportunities are available for individuals, families, and groups—including at Mobile Food Pantry sites, Fresh Harvest Farm, and even through home delivery support for those unable to visit food pantries in person.

“Our volunteers sow good seeds across Central Texas,” the organization notes. “Whether you’re in the kitchen, the fields, or helping load groceries into a car, your time makes a real impact.”

Ready to start a New Year's resolution rooted in community service? Sign up at centraltexasfoodbank.org/volunteer.

Giving Treasures: How to Donate Food or Funds

Nearly 50% of the food distributed by the Central Texas Food Bank comes from generous donations from individuals, farmers, retailers, and food industry partners. The holidays are a perfect time to host a food drive, make a monetary gift, or drop off donations.

For individuals or groups donating less than 1,500 pounds of food, donations can be dropped off directly at the Food Bank (6500 Metropolis Dr., Austin, TX 78744) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment needed—just drop and go.

Prefer to raise meals online? Host a Virtual Food Drive through the Food Bank’s free online tool. It’s an easy, high-impact way to support hunger relief from the comfort of home.

Hunters can even help by donating legally tagged venison through a special program with participating processors, providing lean, high-protein meals to local families.

Every dollar counts—just $1 can help provide four to six meals. During the FOX 7 "Spirit of Sharing" campaign, donations are matched by United Heritage Credit Union, magnifying the impact of community contributions. As of mid-December, the campaign has already raised over $16,000.

Donations can be made online at justgiving.com/page/fox7-spirit-of-sharing-2025.

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Giving Talent: Shop or Partner with Purpose

For those looking to give back through everyday purchases, the Central Texas Food Bank has partnered with a wide range of businesses across Austin and online.

Whether you’re sipping coffee from Greater Goods Coffee Co., buying a crepe from Sweet Paris, or rounding up your purchase through Wondercide or Lime scooters, every little action adds up. Local shops like Austin Java, Shop LC, and Buffalo Exchange also have giveback campaigns underway this December.

Businesses can take it a step further by launching cause marketing campaigns—donating a portion of proceeds, matching sales with meals, or hosting benefit events.

Getting Help: Find Food Near You in Austin and Central Texas

The Food Bank isn’t just about giving—it’s also a lifeline for those in need. For anyone struggling with food insecurity, immediate help is available.

Using the "Find Food Now" tool on the Central Texas Food Bank website, residents can locate food pantries, mobile distribution sites, community meal locations, and older adult programs by simply entering their ZIP code.

Help is also available to apply for state benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and more. The Food Bank’s bilingual team is available at 855-366-3401 to walk individuals through the process.

No identification, proof of income, or citizenship is required to receive food at any partner pantry. “We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—especially when asking for help,” the organization emphasizes.

A Mission Rooted in Equity and Community

The Central Texas Food Bank is the region’s largest hunger-relief nonprofit and a proud member of both Feeding America and Feeding Texas. Through a network of over 250 community partners and with support from private, public, and corporate donors, the organization distributed nearly 54 million meals last year.

Its 21-county service area includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and many more counties across Central Texas. Programs range from nutrition education and children’s meals to workforce development and senior food delivery.

The goal? Immediate access to nourishing food—and long-term solutions to end hunger.

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How You Can Help This Holiday Season

Whether you’re making a resolution to serve more in 2026 or simply want to make a difference before the year ends, the Central Texas Food Bank makes it easy to support your neighbors in need.

Ways to get involved:

• Volunteer your time: centraltexasfoodbank.org/volunteer

• Donate money or food: centraltexasfoodbank.org

• Find food or assistance: centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-help

• Host a food drive or campaign: centraltexasfoodbank.org/fund-drive

For more information or assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit the Central Texas Food Bank, open Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This holiday season, let’s feed hope—together.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.