When stability matters most, the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) stands ready to serve.
On Friday, October 17, CTFB hosted two special food distributions to support military and civilian federal workers continuing to serve during the ongoing government shutdown.
The first event took place at Fort Hood, the nation’s largest active-duty armored post and home to nearly 40,000 soldiers. There, more than 850 families received fresh, nutritious groceries and household staples.
The second event was held at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where CTFB provided food assistance for federal employees from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“As our military and civilian federal workers continue to serve our country, we want to ensure they have the resources they need, and also let them know their community stands with them,” said Sari M. Vatske, President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “These special distributions are one way we can meet them where they are and say thank you for their continued service.”
At the Austin distribution, Mayor Kirk Watson joined CTFB staff and volunteers to show support for federal employees during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“Public servants have dedicated their careers to doing good for others — now it’s time for us to do some good for them,” Watson said. “Thousands of Central Texas federal employees are worried that they won’t be able to put food on the table because of not being paid. No one should have to go hungry because they chose a career in public service. That’s why we’re stepping up to take care of our neighbors who take care of us every day.”
Moments of Gratitude and Grounding
For the food bank team, serving at both sites was a moving reminder of why their work matters. Staff members shared how meaningful it felt to meet military service members, TSA officers, and air-traffic controllers face-to-face — and how humbling it was to hear words of thanks from those who typically serve others.
“It was incredibly grounding,” said one team member. “When you hear someone in uniform say ‘thank you,’ it reminds you that service takes many forms, and that we’re all connected through care and community.”
Prepared to Serve
Through its direct-service programs and network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners across 21 Central Texas counties, CTFB stands ready to serve the approximately 76,000 civilian and military federal workers in the region who may be affected by the shutdown.
CTFB’s Mobile Food Pantry program reaches communities across the region each month, including those near major installations and transportation hubs. These mobile distributions bring stability, fresh produce, and pantry staples directly to families who keep essential services running.
A Call to Community
While CTFB remains ready to respond to emerging needs, community support plays a vital role in maintaining that readiness. Every donation and volunteer hour helps sustain the network that ensures all Central Texans can count on consistent access to nutritious food.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, visit Find Food Now to find a distribution near you.
If you’re able to help, please consider donating or volunteering. Because when we stand together, we make tomorrow possible for everyone who serves.
