During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re especially proud to spotlight the passionate people behind our mission to increase food access in Central Texas by providing nutritious food, leading advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programs and education. This month, we’re celebrating Team Member of the Month Kate Wenzel, a Volunteer Engagement Coordinator whose journey to the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is as rich and rooted in purpose as the work she does every day.
Kate grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the daughter of two English professors at the University of North Carolina. After college, Kate set out to change the world — first through the food cooperative movement, where she worked for nearly two decades in roles ranging from tractor-trailer driver to marketing and purchasing. The work was deeply mission-driven, focused on food for people, not profit. But when her daughter was accepted into an expensive college, Kate pivoted to a more traditional role in food sales and brokerage. Though that corporate chapter helped pay the bills, it left something to be desired.
“It was all about the profit,” Kate says. “I really missed working with people who care deeply about what they do.”
It was that longing for connection and purpose that led Kate to volunteer at CTFB while still working full-time.
“Volunteering here met two needs: I could socialize with others and feel good about where my energy was going,” she shares.
Kate logged over 400 hours as a volunteer — eventually becoming a Volunteer Leader — before joining the CTFB team as a Sort staff member during the early days of the pandemic. She later stepped away briefly for another sales job in kombucha manufacturing, but quickly realized she missed the people and purpose at CTFB. When her current Volunteer Engagement Coordinator role opened, she jumped at the chance to return.
Today, Kate leads group bookings for volunteer shifts — a massive effort, involving 35 to 45 groups each week. From small teams of five to large corporate groups, she helps each one feel welcome, valued and connected to the mission. If you’ve volunteered with a group at CTFB, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Kate — and if not, you just might soon!
“My goal is always to bring them back,” Kate says. “Once someone’s volunteered once, I want to make sure their experience was so positive that they’ll want to return — maybe even explore the kitchen, garden or mobile distributions.”
Kate’s dedication to service doesn’t stop at CTFB. After becoming a CTFB employee, she sought out a new volunteer opportunity — and found it with the Texas Master Naturalist program.
“Once I started working here, I realized I needed to find a new place to volunteer,” she jokes.
Now she leads hikes for the City of Austin, volunteers at McKinney Falls State Park and even writes her chapter’s newsletter.
When asked what she loves most about working at CTFB, Kate doesn’t hesitate, “The people. Our volunteers are some of the kindest, most engaging folks I’ve met.”
She also appreciates the little-known perks that come with being part of a mission-driven community — like getting recipe tips from the Culinary team or gardening advice from the Garden team.
“It’s incredible to work somewhere where everyone is so passionate — and willing to share their knowledge.”
Kate’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her thoughtful approach to volunteer engagement helps ensure CTFB is a place where people return again and again — not just to give back, but to feel connected, inspired, and appreciated.
It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
This week — and every week — we’re grateful for the volunteers who power our mission. Whether you’ve packed produce, sorted donations or shared your time in the garden, thank you for helping us increase food access across Central Texas.
Want to get involved? Learn more about volunteering with CTFB »
