At the Central Texas Food Bank, we're not just nourishing our neighbors; we're building a future where all Central Texans have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive. This month, we're proud to spotlight Elías Casanova, our Benefits + Emergency Services Manager, who truly embodies our mission. Elías has a deep commitment to his community, a passion for service, and an unyielding drive to make a difference.
Elías's dedication to helping those in need began at a young age. Growing up in Mexico, he witnessed the struggles of less fortunate families and children and felt compelled to make a difference. His early exposure to poverty and heartfelt discussions with his father set the stage for his career in nonprofit service.
After saving up money in his early twenties, Elías took a bold step to volunteer full-time at Crossroads Community Services in Dallas, a nonprofit focused on alleviating food insecurity. "It really made me feel fulfilled, and that’s when I realized that I’ve found my calling," Elías shares. His hard work and devotion led to a full-time position, propelling his career in food access work. From working in food pantry warehouses to overseeing operations at CitySquare and serving as a Quality Assurance Manager at Tarrant Area Food Bank, Elías's journey has been marked by continuous learning and growth, all aimed at making a tangible impact.
As the Benefits + Emergency Services Manager at the Central Texas Food Bank, Elías leverages his food banking experience to lead the charge in expanding access to state benefits, such as food stamps. Whether training partners on benefits application processes, studying updated government regulations, or covering appointments for his team, Elías's commitment is unwavering.
Elías leads his team with steadfast support and care, emphasizing the importance of self-care for his team, understanding that their well-being directly impacts their ability to serve others. “We have a lot of clients in vulnerable positions that are going through tough spots in their life, so they open up while you’re enrolling them in benefits," he shares. Elías often encourages his team to prioritize their mental health, because, as he says, “If you’re not okay, how can you take care of others?”
By far, Elías’s favorite part of his job is working directly with our neighbors. For him, it’s all about empowering Central Texans to reach self-sufficiency, “We’re not giving a handout, but giving a hand up,” he says. As we continue our efforts to close the meal gap in Central Texas, we are fortunate to have leaders like Elías who are not just providing access to food today but are also building a future where everyone has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
