Central Texas Food Bank

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

?? Central Texas companies, it’s time to make an impact! From November 18 to December 13, we invite you to join the Contend to End Hunger challenge, a meaningful opportunity to help raise funds that provide nutritious meals to Central Texas families during the holiday season. With Texas ranked second in the nation for food insecurity, your company can play a critical role in addressing this urgent need. This challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to engage your team in a purpose-driven initiative and demonstrate your commitment to a hunger-free future. Let’s unite to ensure our neighbors have access to the food they deserve. Sign up today and be part of the solution: https://bit.ly/3TXexOE

?? Community support fuels our mission. When partners like Coregiving invest in the meaningful work we do, they help drive real, lasting change in our work to end hunger. Together, we're addressing the real challenges of food insecurity in Central Texas and making meaningful strides toward closing the meal gap. Thanks to community relationships, we’re able to bring nutritious meals to families and offer solutions that empower our neighbors across 21 counties. Stay tuned as we highlight more incredible supporters making an impact! ?? Learn more about how we're making a difference together: https://bit.ly/4gUGJLU

In reflecting on Hunger Action Month (HAM), we're reminded of the incredible power of community. Thanks to the generosity and support of partners like Whataburger, we’ve amplified our efforts to raise awareness about food insecurity and provide vital resources to our neighbors across Central Texas. From their generous donation to their backing of our hardworking team, Whataburger has played a key role in making HAM 2024 impactful. Let's keep this momentum going—whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating, you can make a difference. ??

We're excited to announce the launch of yet another new Feeding Futures School Pantry at Camino Real Elementary in Hays County! Through our Community Needs Assessment, we learned that a large number of children in this area face food insecurity. With 71% of Camino Real's students relying on free and reduced-lunch programs, this pantry will play a crucial role in supporting families and closing the meal gap. By expanding our programs to meet neighbors where they are, we’re ensuring students can focus on what matters most—learning, growing, and just being kids.

We’re on a mission to reach ONE MILLION volunteer hours as part of the Nourishing Neighbors Million Hour Volunteer Rally—and we need YOU to help us get there! This initiative, led by the Albertsons Companies Foundation, is designed to rally volunteers like you to help end hunger in our communities. If you’ve volunteered with us before, make sure to log your hours and help us hit this incredible milestone! Haven’t volunteered yet? There’s never been a better time to start. Every hour matters, and together, we can reach ONE MILLION! ? Log your hours today and learn more about how you can get involved by visiting: https://bit.ly/3YbvuHX #MillionHourRally

???? Shanah Tovah! As we celebrate the start of a new year with Rosh Hashanah, we’re reminded of the importance of community, hope, and nourishing our neighbors. At Central Texas Food Bank, we are dedicated to ensuring that every family has access to healthy, nutritious meals, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future. Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with health, joy, and abundance. ??? #RoshHashanah

We’re excited to share a significant milestone in our journey to nourish Central Texans. With the Waco City Council’s approval of re-zoning at 1402 Gholson Road, we are set to build a new Central Texas Food Bank location in McLennan County. This new facility will enhance our ability to provide fresh, nutritious food to our neighbors, addressing a vital need in a region where food insecurity affects 19% of the population and nearly 25% of children. Together, we’re fostering sustainable solutions to help close the meal gap. Learn more: https://bit.ly/47KQZT5 #CTFB #NourishOurNeighbors