Austin Java is proud to partner with Central Texas Food Banks in eliminating hunger throughout Austin and surrounding areas. Last week members of Austin Java ownership and corporate team had the opportunity to tour the CTFB facility. The tour was incredibly impactful to the entire Austin Java team – the amazing work that CTFB is able to do with so little and the programs that truly touch so many lives.

While touring the facility volunteers were sorting donations, preparing meals and cleaning – a constant flow of people doing many things. The room was a flurry of activity with one woman directing the entire room. Amelia (the woman in charge) shared that volunteers range in age and occupation – students, corporate executives, churches and Scouts to name a few. Texas Food Bank helps the Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Gillespie, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Limestone, Llano, McLennan, Milam, Mills, San Saba, Travis and Williamson counties. The Austin Java team plans to make a trip in the future to volunteer!

One of the Austin Java owners enjoying the tour!

The campus has a wonderful culinary program that provides free culinary education to people to help get better job opportunities. The CTFB culinary program is 12 weeks full of kitchen and back of house learning. Amelia, our tour guide, explained that this was one of their smaller scale programs. Every person who has graduated from their courses has then gone on to get a job in a kitchen elsewhere.

Central Texas Food Bank gardeners taking in the sun!

CTFB has two gardens onsite – vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs and so much more. The garden was very well tended to and the people working that day were all smiles. Flower beds help attract butterflies as well as bees, a little pollination never hurt anyone. The team’s trip concluded with a donation – Austin Java guests helped raise $3,785 with special menu item purchases. These funds will help in creating 15,140 meals!

Owners presenting check to Amelia!