CTFB stands ready to serve approximately 76,000 civilian and military federal workers throughout its 21-county service area.
AUSTIN, TX — October 17, 2025 — The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) held two special food distribution events today to support military and civilian federal workers who continue to serve despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The first distribution took place this morning at Fort Hood, the nation’s largest active-duty armored post and home to nearly 40,000 soldiers. At that event, 850 families were served. The second was held at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), providing food assistance for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a workforce of more than 650 federal employees.
“As our military and civilian federal workers continue to serve our country, we want to ensure they have the resources they need and they 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.”
City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson joined the distribution at ABIA to show his support during the busiest travel weekend 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."
More distributions are planned for those affected and will continue until the shutdown ends.
CTFB recognizes that many affected individuals may be seeking assistance for the first time. Through its direct-service programs and network of approximately 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 are impacted by the shutdown.
Anyone in need of food assistance can visit centraltexasfoodbank.org and click on “Find Food Now” to locate the nearest distribution in their area.
While CTFB remains committed to serving all Central Texans facing food insecurity, this sudden increase in need places additional strain on resources. Those who are not directly impacted can help by donating or volunteering. Visit centraltexasfoodbank.org to get involved.
