Every day, thousands of meals leave the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) kitchen, and behind the scenes is someone who brings both precision and passion to the process. Meet Jeri Short, our Team Member of the Month and a lifelong Austinite who’s found her calling in nourishing the community she calls home.
Born and Braised in Austin
“I’m a unicorn,” Jeri says with a smile. “Born and raised in South Austin. I only lived out of Texas two years of my 40 years of existence.”
Her culinary journey began not in a classroom, but in the kitchens of her grandmother and mother.
“Both cooked from scratch,” she recalls. “It was always a very big passion of mine at a young age to watch the ladies in my family cook.”
Jeri’s career took off in restaurants, but the fast pace and lack of harmony pushed her to seek something more meaningful.
“The restaurant industry can be a little harsh. I want to serve with a purpose, serve people who possibly couldn’t serve themselves.”
From Bulk Cooking to Community Impact
Jeri brings two decades of culinary experience and a deep love for “bulk cooking,” which she describes as “mass production.”
“It’s so much fun. You have to be organized and timely. It really teaches you all about the math and chemistry of food,” she says.
After several years running the kitchen at a nonprofit serving adults with cognitive disabilities, Jeri joined CTFB in September 2024.
“When I discovered that CTFB had opportunities available for me, I thought it was a wonderful fit and I was lucky enough to get in.”
Nourishing with Intention
As a Meal Production Cook, Jeri helps produce around 2,000 meals each day, all while coordinating dozens of volunteers.
“I wholeheartedly appreciate what they contribute to this kitchen,” she says. “I like to be very detailed when I explain to them where their food that they’re producing is going or all the moving parts. I want them to be included and be informed.”
When asked what she loves most about the job, Jeri is quick to answer, “Number one would obviously be serving with a purpose.”
“Knowing that other people are relying on me motivates me to be a better human.”
One of Jeri’s most rewarding moments at CTFB came recently when she helped prepare a chicken salad meal for 50 neighbors.
“We kind of threw together some beautiful fruit, a little bit of lettuce, nice chicken salad with some crackers, and it got sent out to a meal site. I got to see the pictures of them eating it and their smiles, and they're just — they're happy. That is fulfilling. That was a very strong pick-me-up for me.”
Jeri is known for her high standards, steady energy, and a deep belief that a smile or “hey, how are you?” Taking time to connect with someone is important.
Words to Live By
When reflecting on her role, Jeri shares a personal motto: “Leave a place better than you found it.” That mindset is something she brings to every shift, every prep station, and every plate.
Even when work is physically demanding, she finds motivation in the mission.
“One in four children go to sleep food-deprived right now. Knowing that they don’t have the proper caloric intake on a daily basis drives me to come in, wake up, keep going.”
Jeri, we’re so grateful you’re part of this community: your heart, hustle, and humor help fuel our mission every day.
