Victoria relocated to Austin two years ago and was immediately drawn to the city’s spirit of community involvement in charitable activities. She stumbled upon the Central Texas Food Bank while volunteering with her friends and colleagues and has since given much of her time to volunteering with us. The Food Bank’s dedication to closing the meal gap and providing services that promote and enable equity in the community has kept her coming back.
Her commitment to the cause has led her to become an ambassador for the Food Bank. Ambassadors help represent the Food Bank at fairs, speaking engagements, festivals, concerts, and other events. “I truly believe that the people who live locally are the ones that can truly make the change,” Victoria said. “It’s about those small contributions that will lead to us creating a community that we want to be in.” Since becoming a Food Bank ambassador, she has volunteered consistently once a month.
One of the many reasons Victoria is motivated to volunteer at the Food Bank is because of the opportunities it presents for her to network with other young professionals who share her passion for ending hunger. She has been able to connect with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds. “My favorite part is helping in the warehouse doing the co-packing. I like the fact that it's fast-paced. I am a warehouse professional. Outside of volunteering, I haven't had much experience with produce, so I find it interesting to see the different kinds of produce. I have gained a lot of knowledge on shelf-stable foods.”
Working at the CTFB table at the Taste of the Arboretum event last year was a memorable experience for Victoria as she helped families find the right social services and connect them to Central Texas Food Bank programs. “It felt very fulfilling when I could help people learn about the different resources and social services available to them. I felt like I was making a huge impact when I volunteered.”
Victoria believes that participating in your local food bank or any charitable organization is incredibly fulfilling. While providing much-needed support to families in the community, volunteering also benefits you in terms of personal growth, networking, and enjoying time with others who share the same passion for giving back. “I recommend new volunteers explore the website to find which opportunities make sense for their interest. What I found nice about the food bank is that they offer volunteering opportunities outside of traditional working hours. My recommendation is always to be open to the experience and learning and see it as an opportunity to get to know others in your area,” Victoria said.
We sincerely thank Victoria for her unwavering dedication to our shared mission. Her commitment has been a beacon of inspiration, driving positive change in our community. Whether you donate an afternoon or commit to showing up once a month like Victoria, we invite you to volunteer at the Food Bank. Your support, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can work toward a future where everyone has access to nutritious food. Act today and become a part of our efforts to build a better tomorrow for all. “It’s a lot of fun, and I recommend everyone give it a try,” Victoria shares.
