The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) believes service is more than a mission — it’s the heart of everything we do. Every day, our team works toward building a stronger, more connected Central Texas, driven by the belief that access to food is a human right. During MLK Service Week, we extend this commitment by volunteering with fellow nonprofits across Austin, reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dedication to justice, equity, and compassion.
Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” For our staff, this question is a guiding principle. Many of our team members joined CTFB because of a deeply personal connection to service — a calling to make a difference not only through their daily work but also by lending their time and energy to other community organizations.
Why We Serve
"I’ve always been inspired by my parents, who taught me the importance of helping others — my mom working for nonprofits and my dad serving in the fire department. They showed me that meaningful work isn’t just about what you do but the impact it has on the community. That’s why I choose to work for nonprofits,” shared one team member.
For another, service has been a lifelong journey of connection and growth:
"Last year, more than 26,000 volunteers donated more than 130,000 hours of their time with CTFB. That’s the equivalent of almost 64 additional full-time employees! I am super proud to be a part of an organization that engages so many people in service and facilitates so much of the connection, learning, and love I personally have benefited from too."
A Week of Community Connection
MLK Service Week gives us the opportunity to step outside our usual roles and partner with organizations that share our vision of a thriving community. This year, teams from CTFB joined BookSpring to sort book donations, helped maintain the Festival Beach Food Forest, supported Austin Creative Reuse by processing craft supplies, cared for rescue animals at Austin Pets Alive! and prepared meals for those in need at Caritas.
One team member reflected, “In my role, I get to capture the incredible impact we make across 21 counties. Every day, I leave work feeling inspired and completely in awe of what we’re able to accomplish.”
This awe carries over to MLK Service Week as we join hands with other nonprofits, deepening our connections and affirming our shared purpose.
Carrying Dr. King’s Legacy Forward
Dr. King envisioned a world where everyone could live with dignity, equality, and opportunity. His words remind us that service is an essential step toward building this reality, “Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
CTFB honors Dr. King’s legacy by committing ourselves to the work of service — within our walls and beyond. Whether we’re distributing meals to families in need or partnering with local nonprofits, we strive to create a more compassionate and equitable Central Texas.
Join us in carrying Dr. King’s legacy forward. Volunteer your time, share your resources, or spread the word about the importance of service. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Central Texas. Visit our website to find volunteer opportunities and make a difference today!
