Central Texas Food Bank knows that addressing hunger goes beyond providing access to nutritious food — it’s about partnerships that inspire and create lasting solutions. One such partnership is with Urban Roots, a nonprofit that combines youth leadership, regenerative farming, and food access programs to nourish lives and strengthen communities.
Since 2008, Urban Roots has cultivated more than just food; they’ve built an ecosystem of empowerment. “We provide civic engagement and skills-development programs for high school youth, which includes learning about and practicing regenerative farming,” shared Sydney Corbin, Community Engagement Program Manager at Urban Roots. The produce grown by youth leaders and community volunteers is distributed through food access programs, including their community-led initiative, Hojas, where residents deliver fresh, culturally relevant produce directly to their neighbors.
Urban Roots prioritizes engagement in Austin’s Eastern Crescent, where many of Travis County’s 33 federally designated food deserts are located. But their reach extends far beyond. Volunteers come from all over — some even as far as Australia — to connect with their mission of sustainable farming and community care. As Corbin explains, “Some want to learn how to grow food using regenerative methods, some seek the nourishment that comes from being outside or from doing physical work, and some simply want to get to know and work alongside their neighbors.”
Central to Urban Roots’ mission is the involvement of youth. “Partnering with youth is vital because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” Corbin said. “When young people learn how to grow food, understand the principles of food equity, and develop leadership skills, they not only make an immediate difference in their communities but also become advocates for lasting change. Their involvement creates a ripple effect: they inspire their peers, educate their families, and catalyze a collective movement toward a more equitable future for all.”
This commitment to community is what makes Urban Roots such a powerful partner for Central Texas Food Bank. As Jacob Grob, Associate Director of Farms & Food Access, explained, “Our partnership with the Food Bank ensures that fresh produce from our farms can be shared with the 250+ agencies they provide food to in Central Texas.” Together, we’re bridging the gap between sustainable farming and equitable food distribution, ensuring that nutritious produce makes its way to neighborhoods with limited access to affordable, culturally relevant food.
At its heart, the partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when we work collectively. “We firmly believe that the only way to achieve an equitable food system is by working together, as a whole community,” said Corbin. “The work we do with the community isn’t just about me or any one person — it’s about all of us. It’s the collective effort, the relationships, and the shared vision that make this work meaningful.”
By joining hands, Urban Roots and Central Texas Food Bank are planting the seeds for a stronger, healthier Central Texas — one where every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive.
Get Involved: Together, we can create a hunger-free future. Volunteer with Urban Roots or Central Texas Food Bank to make an impact.
