At the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB), our mission is to nourish our neighbors and create a hunger-free future in Central Texas. We're proud to recognize one of the dedicated team members who brings this mission to life, Ana Cooke, coordinator of our onsite pantry, as our Team Member of the Month. Ana's compassion and commitment to serving our neighbors make a meaningful impact on our hunger relief efforts every day.
Growing up in Colombia, Ana was influenced by her country's culture of community care. "Colombia is this country where everybody helps everybody," she shares, a value that shaped her approach to life and work. Raised by a hardworking single mother, Ana understands the struggles of food insecurity firsthand. "Growing up and having so little, I can relate. I was one of those kids who sometimes didn't have food to go to school."
At 20, Ana moved to the United States to support her family. Determined to build a better life, she taught herself English using library books and TV shows. Volunteering at a nonprofit helped her step out of her comfort zone and take on a role that required answering phones, accelerating her language skills. This experience sparked her passion for working at nonprofits, leading to roles at LifeWorks and Caritas of Austin before joining the Central Texas Food Bank.
As the coordinator of CTFB's onsite pantry, Ana ensures that neighbors have access to free, nutritious food in a dignified shopping experience. After accessing food, she connects them with additional support services and programs to help meet their broader needs.
The pantry offers a variety of fresh and shelf-stable items, including produce grown in CTFB's garden, and Ana takes special care to stock foods that reflect the needs and preferences of the community. "I'm really proud of the variety of food in the pantry," Ana shares. "I pay attention to what clients like to get, and I love seeing them leave happy with food they're actually going to eat."
For Ana, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the relief on neighbors' faces. "My favorite part is my clients' reactions," she says. "When they come in the pantry, you can see the relief, the joy. They are like, 'Wow, there are so many choices. Wow, I can have all this food.'"
Ana's dedication to CTFB doesn't just inspire her coworkers—it inspires her family as well. Her two children, Emma, 13, and Nicolas, 9, are proud of her work. "Mom, I'm so proud you're there," they tell her. "I'm so happy you help people." Their encouragement fuels Ana's passion for making a difference in the lives of others.
Ana's ability to connect with neighbors and create a welcoming space at the pantry ensures that every visitor leaves not only with food, but also with hope and respect. Her dedication reminds us all of the power of compassion and community in ending hunger.
Ready to make a difference in your community? Join our team!
