When people think about food banks, they often picture groceries being distributed to families in need. The work at the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) goes beyond providing food for today — it’s also about building the knowledge and confidence neighbors need to make that food last for tomorrow.
That’s where our Team Member of the Month, Karen Acevedo, comes in.
As a Community Nutrition Coordinator, Karen works directly with neighbors across Central Texas, teaching hands-on cooking classes and providing nutrition education that helps people turn everyday ingredients into meals that support their health and well-being.
Karen’s work happens out in the community.
Karen leads cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes focused on real-life kitchens and real-life budgets in elementary schools, recreation centers, and apartment complexes.
“We teach people how to cook using things they have in their pantry,” Karen shared.
“A lot of the time you don't really know what to do with stuff that you have at home,” she added. “So, a lot of our cooking demonstrations are on how to use staple items in your kitchen, as well as making things that are really affordable.”
Through multi-week class series, Karen builds relationships with the neighbors she serves, getting to know their preferences, answering questions, and creating a space where learning feels approachable.
“We usually get to know your neighbors pretty well,” she said. “So you get to know these kids, these older adults, really well. The first thing I always try to do is learn our neighbors' names. Because it makes people feel seen.”
She also focuses on encouragement, helping neighbors take manageable steps toward healthier habits.
“Healthy eating is a process,” Karen said. “So just starting with one thing is so important.”
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.
“People are kind of intimidated to eat healthy because they think it's expensive,” Karen shared. “But just making small changes really adds up in the long term. When you get the hang of it, you know what staples to buy. You can really use them in so many different ways.”
That mindset shows up in the classroom, where even trying a new ingredient can spark change:
“When people try things they maybe wouldn't have tried before, just giving it a chance and trying something new is really important.”
In one class, a student learned about whole and processed foods — and took that lesson home.
“Her teacher in the next class pulled me aside and she goes, ‘Miss Karen, this student went home to dinner with her family and was telling them all about whole foods and processed foods,’” Karen recalled.
“For me, that was really like impactful to know that I made a difference.”
Karen is helping shape one of CTFB’s newer programs: Medically Tailored Meals.
Medically tailored meals are designed for neighbors managing chronic health conditions and are customized to meet specific dietary needs — such as heart health, diabetes, or kidney disease. These meals help bridge the gap between food access and health by providing ready-to-eat options that support recovery, stability, and long-term well-being.
Behind the scenes, this work is highly coordinated. CTFB’s culinary and nutrition teams develop medically appropriate recipes designed to meet clinical dietary guidelines, with ongoing work to expand culturally relevant options. Meals often incorporate fresh produce from CTFB’s Fresh Harvest Farm and are designed to be nutritious, appealing, and easy to prepare.
Each neighbor enrolled in the program receives meals tailored to their specific needs. Dietary restrictions and allergies are reviewed during enrollment, and meals can be adjusted or substituted to ensure they are safe and appropriate. Nutrition coordinators continue that support throughout participation, with clear nutrition labeling provided in English and Spanish.
All meals are prepared in CTFB’s commercial kitchen and follow strict food safety protocols, from production to delivery, with testing to ensure meals remain at safe temperatures and clear instructions provided for use at home.
It’s a coordinated approach: partnering with healthcare providers to enroll patients, preparing medically appropriate meals through our culinary team, and integrating nutrition education — with Karen helping shape both the meals and the learning — to improve health outcomes and support long-term stability.
“This program really helps meet people where they are,” Karen explained. “They might not really know what they can eat. It can be overwhelming.”
For many neighbors, especially those managing chronic conditions or transitioning from hospital care, having food that aligns with their health needs can make a meaningful difference in their ability to recover and stay well.
For Karen, this work is deeply personal.
“When I was younger, we received food assistance,” she shared. “It's very full circle, having this position and helping people make educated choices. I wish this was something that I got when I was receiving benefits.”
“It's very fulfilling to be someone that's helping the community in that way.”
Through nutrition education, hands-on cooking, and innovative programs like medically tailored meals, Karen is helping neighbors build skills, confidence, and healthier futures.
