On April 25, Central Texas Food Bank, (CTFB) marked a major milestone in strengthening our partner network by distributing 38 commercial refrigerators and freezers to 20 partner agencies across our 21-county service area. This initiative made possible through grant funding, is more than a delivery — it's an investment in long-term community impact.
We convened our partners for an event at CTFB’s headquarters in Austin, celebrating a bold step in building capacity across our network. Each agency received two state-of-the-art units — either a refrigerator and a freezer or a combination — to help them store and distribute more fresh produce, dairy, protein, and other perishable items.
“These refrigerators and freezers are about more than just equipment — they represent expanded opportunities for our community members to access the necessary and healthy food needed to thrive," Sari M. Vatske, President + CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank.
Access to fresh, nutritious food shouldn’t be a luxury — and for many partners, cold storage has been a limiting factor. With this new equipment in place, agencies are better positioned to meet the growing needs of their neighbors while offering greater variety and choice. These units also support our goal of making 50% of our total food distribution fresh produce — ensuring that Central Texans can fill their plates with food that fuels well-being and longevity.
One such agency is Pflugerville First United Methodist Church, where pantry leaders see the difference firsthand.
“We were always one freezer short to comfortably have enough protein on hand for our clients,” said Pantry Co-Chair Tim Call. “Now if I order eggs, and they have cheese available, I can order cheese and eggs. All the effort the Central Texas Food Bank puts forward makes my team absolutely grateful. It helps us keep pace with where we’re at with the client base.”
The state-of-the-art refrigeration units feature glass-front doors that showcase the fresh options available, helping encourage more customers to select nutritious items. This approach is part of our broader effort to move beyond emergency food assistance and toward long-term solutions that address food equity and community wellness.
This distribution is a clear example of how CTFB is not just a food source — we are a driver of innovation and infrastructure for our network. Our partners do incredible work every day, and we’re committed to powering them with the tools to make it even better.
From large-scale operations to small rural pantries, these refrigerators and freezers will help agencies nourish their neighbors with greater efficiency, confidence, and compassion.
Together, we're investing in more than food — we're investing in a healthier future for all Central Texans.
