How you helped us raise 1.5 million meals in 2 months.

While children ate healthy lunches with neighborhood friends, seniors enjoyed fresh fruits of the season and families made plans for park picnics, your Food Bank was busy fundraising to make these experiences come true for Central Texans in need.

In two months, during our busiest time of the year, we raised 1.5 million meals, surpassing our goal of raising 1 million meals through the Summer Meals That Matter campaign. Our secret weapon: a caring community that makes solving hunger a priority.

We love living in Central Texas for the bounty our land provides and the passionate people who put great food at our fingertips. We also know that we’re not the only ones who feel this way. With a goal to put the foods we all love within everyone’s reach we shared our plan with community leaders, long time food bank supporters and many of you who are just learning about the hunger crisis in Central Texas. Here’s how you made this summer a success:

You put a face on our goal by telling your own story.

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Thank you to Ms. B for sharing how she makes meals at our Summer Food Service Program sites more than a nutritious meal but a positive community experience. Thank you to Vara for generously sharing her inspiring story and help us bring everyone to the table.

You showed leadership by example.

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Thank you to the Stumberg family who gave a $100,000 matching gift challenge which helped us ultimately exceed our goal.

Thank you to campaign sponsors Grainger, SolarWinds, Emulex, Rackspace and BMC Software for your generous donations.

You traveled far and wide to inform and inspire meaningful giving.

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Thank you to H-E-B, KEYE-TV, Univision, Randalls, Logan’s Roadhouse, the Round Rock Express, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Charming Charlie, Austin Social Affair, GO TEXAN Restaurant participants and Taste of North Austin for inviting your customers and fans to give back.

Thank you to KEYE-TV, Univision and Randalls for sharing how Central Texans are donating to the campaign through their Food for Families drive. They showed how easy and fun it is to be a philanthropist.

You weren’t afraid to dress for optimum hunger fighting.

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Thank you to the Keep Austin Weird Fest for bringing together local celebrities to get a little wet to help end hunger. Thank you to the apron-clad community leaders who served children at the Summer Meals That Matter kickoff. And last, but certainly not least, thank you to the thousands of summer volunteers who sort and inspect donations and help us put only the safest donations out to our community. Without our volunteers to help get food out the door fast, we couldn’t ask the community to donate so many meals.

You came to the table in your own special way to make a healthier, stronger Central Texas. We appreciate your continued support.