When fresh food moves from our warehouse to the tables of our Central Texas neighbors, chances are Cindy Caracheo had a hand in making it happen. As the Central Texas Food Bank’s (CTFB) Internal Distribution Coordinator, Cindy plays a critical role in making sure food gets where it needs to go, quickly and efficiently. We’re lucky to witness Cindy’s heart for service. She shows us what it means to put community above self every day.
From Farm to Food Banking
Cindy grew up in San Saba, Texas, where she learned the value of hard work on the pecan orchards her father managed as a foreman.
“Growing up on a pecan farm, it's a whole operation from the start at the farm and then getting it to the market to be sold,” she said.
Those early lessons in agriculture gave Cindy a deep respect for food and the effort it takes to bring it from harvest to table. That perspective now shapes the way she approaches her role at CTFB — helping ensure that nutritious food flows from producers and retailers, through CTFB, and ultimately into the hands of neighbors who need it most.
Drawn to Serve
Cindy has always been drawn to nonprofit work because of the fulfillment it brings. She was introduced to CTFB through our volunteer experiences.
“I volunteered at the food bank at a mobile pantry, and it was an extremely rewarding experience,” she said. “I came back and did another volunteer session in the warehouse and waited for a position to open, and here I am.”
Cindy first joined CTFB’s warehouse team, working directly with inbound trucks. Today, her work builds on that experience by making sure food moves smoothly from our doors to our partners and neighbors.
Coordinating Food Where It’s Needed Most
With more than 250 partner agencies relying on CTFB, there’s a tremendous amount of coordination happening behind the scenes to keep food moving seamlessly from our warehouse to pantries, schools, and distribution sites across Central Texas.
“Any product that has come in overnight or early in the morning, I go through and see if we can allocate it to the proper agency that might need it, making sure that that product gets received correctly online, and processed where our partners order from, and that gets expedited out,” Cindy shared.
Her role demands speed, precision, and collaboration (both within CTFB and with our partner agencies) so that when fresh, healthy food arrives at the warehouse, it reaches tables just as vibrant. Cindy shows up each day with a “yes attitude,” ready to step in wherever she’s needed — from coordinating complex warehouse orders to volunteering at mobile pantries. Her natural ability to connect with others, paired with a calm, solution-focused mindset, makes her both a trusted team member and a source of inspiration.
“Cindy is truly one of the most exceptional team members we have at the food bank. She consistently puts people first. Her heart, work ethic, and attention to detail make her not only an invaluable part of our organization, but a true example of what service to the community should look like,” one coworker shared.
An Everyday Hero
“Growing up as a child we had four kids and that was certainly a challenge for my family. We experienced [food insecurity], of course, as children. And as an adult, working here, being able to make a difference and knowing exactly what those families and those children are experiencing, makes my job a lot easier and it's very rewarding.”
That lived experience fuels Cindy's commitment to CTFB’s mission of increasing food access across Central Texas. Her story is a reminder that every role at CTFB contributes to something bigger, ensuring our neighbors have the nutritious food they deserve, so they can go on to thrive in other parts of their lives. Because when someone has reliable access to food, it doesn’t just fill a plate, it strengthens health, supports learning, and creates stability for families and communities.
Cindy says it best herself, “To be a food banker — we are everyday heroes.”
We’re grateful to Cindy for showing what service looks like in action and for being an inspiration to her teammates and a champion for the neighbors we serve.
Make an Impact
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to come together as a community to raise awareness and take action against food insecurity. Join Cindy and all our team members in making an impact. Learn how you can help make tomorrow possible.
