Austin Organizations Step Up as SNAP Freeze Threatens Millions of Texans

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports low-income communities in purchasing groceries and even seeds to plant gardens and gain long-term food security. However, with a freeze on these benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown, over three million Texans will be left without this lifeline.

In Austin, the community is working to provide food, supplies and stability for thousands of families in the area. Below are some notable organizations you can support through thoughtful donations, volunteering or learning further ways to get involved.

Central Texas Food Bank 

The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) serves the area with over 250 partner pantries and a commendable 40 monthly mobile distributions, bringing fresh food directly to communities in need. In response to the government shutdown, CTFB is offering special support for those directly affected (federal employees, military families, and airport staff ) with no proof of benefits required to receive assistance. With 127,000 local households relying on SNAP, interruptions will create a multi-million-dollar monthly shortfall, making community donations and volunteer support more critical than ever.

Give back: Support the Central Texas Food Bank by volunteering in the warehouse, garden or pantries; donating canned goods; hosting a food drive (virtual or in person), or giving on their website.

El Buen Samaritano

Since 1989, this long-standing nonprofit has served Latino and Spanish-speaking families. El Buen Samaritano hosts twice-weekly drive-thru food distributions every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at its Woodhue Drive location. Partnerships with the Austin Diaper Bank and the Austin Animal Center allow the organization to provide diapers, pet food and other basic necessities to the community as well.  

Give back: Volunteer at the food pantry or support the Hands for Hope campaign, which raises awareness about hunger in Central Texas and funds year-round food access programs.

ATX Free Fridge Project

This community-led mutual aid project is built on a simple idea — give what you can, take what you need. By partnering with local residents and businesses, the group stocks and maintains free community fridges across Austin to fight both food insecurity and food waste.

Give back: Sign up for a cleaning shift, donate food at a nearby fridge, or contribute funds to keep the fridges stocked and accessible for all.

Meals on Wheels Central Texas

Meals on Wheels Central Texas delivers hot, healthy meals and provides vital safety checks for thousands of older Central Texans. Serving more than 5,000 residents across Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette and Lee counties, the organization ensures seniors receive both nourishment and connection.

Give back: Volunteer to deliver meals or make a donation to help sustain their mission at their website.

Support Your Local Food Pantry

Using the Central Texas Food Bank’s “Find Food Now” tool on their website, users can easily locate their nearest food bank to get involved.

Give back: Donations and volunteering are always appreciated. 

For students and their families: 

Austin Ed Fund

The Austin Ed Fund supports Austin ISD students and families facing hardship by addressing basic needs. In partnership with district staff and local organizations, its crisis fund provides emergency assistance with groceries, toiletries, clothing and other essentials. Support helps students stay focused on learning even when family budgets are stretched. 

Give back: Join the effort to support Austin ISD students and families in need by giving on their website.

Riverbat Bites Food Pantries

Austin Community College’s free on-campus food pantry is open to enrolled students across all eleven campuses. Students can pick up groceries and ready-to-eat food at no cost without needing an appointment.

Give back: Donate non-perishable holiday food items from Oct. 27 through Nov. 14 at any Riverbat Bites Food Pantry during operating hours.

UT Outpost 

For students facing food insecurity, UT Outpost offers an on-campus food pantry where students can shop for up to 20 pounds of food per month, visit once a week and pick up toiletry items as well. Students can also sign up for the UT Free Food Channel through the MyUT portal to receive notifications about leftover food from campus events.

Give back: Support UT Outpost by making a donation or checking out their Amazon Wishlist 

Austin Voices for Education and Youth: Family Resource Centers 

In partnership with Austin ISD, Austin Voices operates on-campus Family Resource Centers at Burnet Middle School, Dobie Middle School, Perez Elementary and Webb Middle School. These centers help families access groceries and essential resources. 

Give back: Make a one-time donation, or join Austin Voices as a Sustaining Member with a monthly contribution.

For the families with pets:

Austin Humane Society’s Food Pantry

As household budgets tighten, access to resources can become challenging, even for our furry family members. The Austin Humane Society offers a pet food pantry for those in need. If in need of pet food, the Humane Society can be contacted via email to schedule a pickup time at the shelter.

Give back: Attend an upcoming event, volunteer at the food pantry or make a donation.

Local restaurants and retail that are sharing their support:

Kerbey Lane Cafe: Offering a 20% discount on breakfast, lunch & dinner to all furloughed government employees. 

Parker + Scott: All proceeds from cards sold Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 will benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.

Meanwhile Brewing Company: For every Darling Lager sold, $1 will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank. The brewery will also accept nonperishable food donations through the end of the year, and donors will receive 15% off their tab.

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