The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) ensures that Austin ISD students and their families can access the nutritious food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
“…the economy and life is hard in general. To know you have a space in your own home – and I call Galindo my home – it makes it more accessible, more comfortable. You know sometimes It’s hard to ask for help, but when it’s in your own home it makes it that much easier.” Linda S., AISD Parent
The pantry officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 14, and it will serve all Austin ISD families. It offers a welcoming shopping experience with fresh produce, protein, dairy, and pantry staples. This new pantry marks an important step toward ensuring students and families have access to nutritious food where it’s most convenient—at their child’s school.
In Travis County, where 1 in 5 children face food insecurity, programs like Feeding Futures go beyond providing meals; they help children succeed in and out of the classroom.
As CTFB President and CEO Sari M. Vatske shared, “By meeting people where they are, we can more effectively support those in need. This program goes beyond feeding; it sets children up for success later in life.”
Through a market-style setup, families can select the foods that best meet their needs, preserving dignity while addressing an urgent issue. At Galindo Elementary, where 61 percent of students rely on free or reduced lunches, and 88 percent live in economically disadvantaged homes, the pantry is a vital resource.
Feeding Futures is part of CTFB’s broader effort to meet the needs of students and families throughout Central Texas. Launched in 2024, the program has already opened eight school pantries in CTFB’s 21-county service area and distributed over 75,000 meals. Galindo Elementary is the ninth pantry and an example of how partnerships can make a real difference in local communities.
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura praised the program.
“Partnerships like the Galindo pantry with CTFB make it easier for our families to get what they need and keep their kids nourished and ready to learn. I’m grateful to live in a city like Austin that helps us support every family in our district, bringing strong schools, stronger Austin to life.”
Childhood hunger remains a pressing issue in Travis County, where food insecurity rates exceed the national average. By addressing this challenge head-on, CTFB aims to alleviate the stress families face and empower students to focus on their education.
The Feeding Futures School Pantry at Galindo Elementary represents a powerful step toward creating a hunger-free future. As CTFB continues to expand this program across the region, we remain dedicated to nourishing communities and supporting the next generation.
