WACO, TX — The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) announced that it will merge with Shepherd’s Heart on June 1, continuing the organization’s longstanding commitment to helping families in the greater Waco area access nutritious food.
Shepherd’s Heart has been a nonprofit community partner of CTFB since 2010. By combining resources, the organizations will strengthen food access and expand services to communities throughout the nine northernmost counties of CTFB’s service area. Most importantly, services will continue without interruption for the children, families, and older adults who rely on Shepherd’s Heart programs.
“Shepherd’s Heart has served the Waco community with compassion and dedication for over a decade, and we’re honored to not only continue Bob Gager’s legacy of service, but also continue working with him in this new capacity,” said Sari Vatske, President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “By merging their programs into our operations and opening our new Waco facility, we will build on the impressive foundation they created and increase access to nutritious food while also addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty.”
The transition comes at a significant moment for the Waco community. This summer, CTFB will open a new 64,000-square-foot facility at 1402 Gholson Road that will serve as a front-facing community resource for neighbors in need of assistance.
The new facility will include:
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An on-site market providing immediate access to nutritious food for neighbors in need.
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A Benefits and Emergency Services Center offering on-the-spot assistance enrolling in federal benefit programs.
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A warehouse designed for rapid food inspection, sorting and distribution.
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A state-of-the-art commercial production kitchen for children’s meals and food is medicine programs.
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Workforce training programs and nutrition education.
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Volunteer opportunities in the market, in the sort room, at mobile pantries, and in the kitchen.
“Shepherd’s Heart was a labor of love,” said Bob Gager, Shepherd’s Heart Chief Executive Officer. “I cannot think of a better place to entrust my legacy of service to this community. I’m excited to continue this mission with the Central Texas Food Bank and continue to serve Waco and the surrounding communities. Together, we will ensure continuity of care for our neighbors.”
Supporters and volunteers who have long supported Shepherd’s Heart will have new opportunities to get involved at the Waco facility, including supporting mobile pantry distributions and assisting with food sorting, preparation and distribution. More information about services and volunteer opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks.
About the Central Texas Food Bank
The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is the leading hunger-relief organization in Central Texas, providing access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through programming, education and innovative solutions throughout its 21-county service area. Through a combination of direct-service programs and a network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners, CTFB supports over 610,000 food insecure individuals annually. To learn more visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.
