Meet Isaac Arévalo, Community Distribution Coordinator and our Team Member of the Month. We’re recognizing Isaac not just for his dedication to service, but for his innovation — transforming a vision into reality by launching a brand-new mobile food distribution in his hometown of Lampasas, TX.
This kind of initiative is the definition of innovation at the Central Texas Food Bank: identifying a need, collaborating across teams, and building new solutions that create access and opportunity.
“Knowing the community needs more services, and knowing our team is always looking to expand when we can, [Isaac] helped bring a brand-new mobile distribution to Lampasas, TX,” shares Mandy, his supervisor. “This was all because of Isaac's work. He promoted it throughout the community, recruited volunteers (including his family), secured the site, and really took the reins to make it happen.”
This new distribution has the potential to serve hundreds of families each month in a rural community with limited food access. And it all started with one team member who saw the need and acted.
A Calling Rooted in Experience
Isaac’s connection to food insecurity is personal.
“If it wasn't for people like [our volunteers] we wouldn't have the life that we have today,” he says.
“[My family is] super, super grateful that there were people once upon a time [who] helped my parents transition from their countries to this country.”
That deep-rooted gratitude shaped his career path. While studying at Texas State University, Isaac found clarity during a tough moment in trying to figure out his future. “I just sat down with myself, and I was honest with myself. I knew that I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I wanted to be a part of a solution.”
When he made the decision to work for the greater good, to serve in the nonprofit field, “doors started to open up left and right,” he says. “I got adventure, I got amazing friendships, and I got experiences that made me feel like I was a part of this unique life.”
From Site Setup to Spirit Lifting
As a Community Distribution Coordinator, Isaac oversees about 15 mobile food distributions each month.
“Each coordinator gets 15 sites more or less, that we go to every month and we’ll distribute to as much as 80-450 families,” he explains. Whether drive-thru or market-style, each distribution includes intake, set-up, and team leadership.
“There is [a challenge] every single day. But I think that’s what makes it fun too, just being able to adapt and keeping your mind sharp out there.”
He’s known for creating a joyful, welcoming environment.
“I like to make it into a little party where there’s jokes, there’s a lot of dad jokes, there’s a lot of interactions. It’s just a fun event with a lot of love.”
A Ripple Effect of Goodness
“I know that one person can’t change the world,” he reflects, “but a bunch of us doing something for a community, [they] will want to give back as well.”
For Isaac, this work is never just about logistics, it’s about creating a ripple effect of goodness. “What we do is beautiful, it’s important, and it’s something that [we] should be proud of.”
Isaac, thank you for showing us what’s possible when innovation meets service, and for making sure Central Texans not only receive food, but feel seen, supported, and welcomed.
Want to meet Isaac?
Join us at a Mobile Pantry distribution and see the ripple effect in action. You just might catch a dad joke (or two) while helping nourish your Central Texas neighbors.
