Food insecurity and financial instability can feel isolating and impact one’s overall well-being. With the giving season coming up, many may wish to offer their time and services to organizations dedicated to this cause. To alleviate the impact of food insecurity, The Daily Texan compiled a list of food pantries nearby that students can both utilize and volunteer with.
As outlined in its mission statement, Caritas of Austin aims to prevent homelessness in Austin. They work towards this mission by providing housing programs addressing different facets of homelessness, such as rehousing services for those experiencing short-term loss of shelter and youth programs. For those experiencing food insecurity, Caritas Pantry offers take-home groceries and a community kitchen serving meals from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Those wishing to contribute to Caritas’ cause may volunteer at the community kitchen as well as donate food to the pantry.
Known as the largest hunger relief charity in Central Texas, Central Texas Food Bank combats the growing food insecurity issue. Their website connects people to food resources nearby under their tab “Find Food Now,” offering search options of “Hot Meals, Groceries, and Kid Meals.” The food bank focuses on nutrition and health to ensure their clients receive the best resources. Volunteer opportunities vary from preparing donations at the warehouse to assisting people who visit the on-site pantry at 6500 Metropolis Dr.
For UT students, UT Outpost serves as a free on-campus resource for food and professional clothing. As their website cites, in the fall 2021 National College Health Assessment, 37.7% of UT students endure some form of food insecurity. Located on 2609 University Ave., the outpost provides students with resources to decrease that percentage and exhibit solidarity with UT Longhorns. The outpost’s food pantry, open from Tuesday to Saturday, guarantees fresh food and offers contactless pickup. Students can volunteer at any time during the semester with placements in both the pantry and career closet available.
Hope Food Pantry, located in the Trinity Church of Austin, offers free groceries. In 2022, the pantry supported nearly 5,000 households with groceries, and the number continues to grow as they receive grants and recognition for their impact. Every Thursday and Friday, and the first Saturday of the month, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 4001 Speedway, Hope Food Pantry opens their doors for free food access. Always welcoming volunteers, Hope seeks assistance in setting up, packaging and prepping the pantry.
