In Central Texas, more than 612,000 people are grappling with food insecurity, according to the Central Texas Food Bank. The region’s food crisis has prompted a new collaboration between the food bank and Austin Pets Alive! to provide holiday meals for both families and their pets. The initiative aims to address the intertwined needs of humans and animals during the busiest time of the year. By combining resources, the partners hope to ease the burden on households across the 21-county service area.
Food Insecurity in Central Texas
The Central Texas Food Bank reports that one in five Central Texans is experiencing food insecurity. This translates to over 612,000 individuals who struggle to secure enough food each month. The organization has identified this as a pressing issue that requires immediate action. Addressing this challenge is essential for the well-being of communities throughout the region.
Partnership Between Food Bank and Austin Pets Alive!
Central Texas Food Bank and Austin Pets Alive! have joined forces to feed families and their pets during the holiday season. The partnership leverages the food bank’s distribution network and Austin Pets Alive!’s expertise in animal care. Together, they plan to provide meals for both humans and pets in need. This collaboration underscores the shared responsibility of caring for all members of a household.
Feeding 250 Families
“Today we are expecting to feed more than 250 families,” said Mandy O’Connell with Central Texas Food Bank. O’Connell highlighted the scale of the upcoming distribution. She emphasized that the partnership would help a significant number of households. The goal is to ensure that no family goes hungry during the holidays.
Monthly Distribution at the Delco Center
O’Connell said on the fourth Friday of every month, food is distributed at the Delco Center. The Delco Center has become a central hub for the food bank’s outreach. Families can access groceries and meal kits during these monthly events. The schedule provides a reliable source of assistance for those in need.
Caring for Pets
“Where people are in need, pets are in need and vice versa, and pets are family,” said Lee Ann Shenefiel with Austin Pets Alive! Shenefiel stressed the importance of animal welfare during food shortages. She explained that pets often share the same hardships as their owners. The statement reflects the organization’s commitment to holistic support. Pets are considered integral family members.
PetSmart Charities Collaboration
“We are estimating that we will distribute around 3,000 pounds of food. Ee are able to do that through a partnership through PetSmart Charities,” Shenefiel said. The partnership with PetSmart Charities enables the distribution of substantial food supplies. This collaboration helps meet the nutritional needs of both pets and their owners. The estimate underscores the scale of the initiative.
Daily Effort to Meet the Need
“Every day we are trying to find ways to meet the need,” said O’Connell. She emphasized the continuous effort required to support families. The food bank’s mission involves constant adaptation to changing needs. This daily commitment drives the organization’s outreach initiatives.
Growth of Delco Center Distribution
Central Texas Food Bank said the distribution at the Delco Center has seen a lot of use this year. The center’s popularity has increased during the pandemic and beyond. Families rely on the Delco Center for consistent access to food. The food bank monitors demand to adjust supply accordingly.
“We started doing this distribution at the Delco in September, and I would say on average, each month, we have seen an increase of about 50 households per month,” O’Connell said. The growth in households indicates rising demand. The food bank’s strategy involves scaling distribution to meet needs. The Delco Center remains a vital resource.
Donations in 2025
In 2025, almost 52 million pounds of food was donated to Central Texas Food Bank with about 24 million pounds being purchased through monetary donation support. These donations represent a substantial contribution to the food bank’s inventory. The mix of donated and purchased food ensures a steady supply. The data highlights the community’s generosity.
How to Help
If you would like to help Central Texas Food Bank click here. If you would like to help Austin Pets Alive! click here.
Key Takeaways
- Central Texas Food Bank serves approximately 92,000 people each month in 2025.
- Partnership with Austin Pets Alive! aims to feed more than 250 families and distribute around 3,000 pounds of pet food.
- Delco Center distribution has grown by about 50 households per month since September.
By combining resources and expertise, Central Texas Food Bank and Austin Pets Alive! are working to ensure that families and their pets can celebrate the holidays without hunger. The partnership demonstrates how community organizations can collaborate to tackle complex challenges. Residents across Central Texas can help by donating or volunteering through the links provided.
