Central Texas Food Bank and Workforce Solutions Capital Area Announce Partnership to Better Serve the Austin Community

Austin, TX, July 31, 2024–The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) and Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS Capital Area) celebrated the official launch of their innovative partnership, marking a new era of collaboration between two prominent nonprofit organizations in Austin.

The partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to nonprofit collaborations, aiming to enhance service delivery and improve the overall experience for neighbors in need. By co-locating services to CTFB headquarters, both organizations can offer more comprehensive and streamlined support, addressing multiple facets of community needs in one convenient visit.

“Food insecurity can be a barrier to employment, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring this initiative to our community to access life-enhancing resources all in one place,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “Thanks to the Central Texas Food Bank, our career counselors will have the ability to link more community members to high-demand jobs and career development opportunities, alongside convenient access to food services.”

A special kickoff event today at CTFB raised awareness for the new partnership and featured remarks from key representatives of both organizations, as well as from a client who has experienced the benefits of this partnership. Commissioner Jeff Travillion, Precinct One, attended and shared remarks about the importance of this partnership for opening the door for our community. All attendees took a simulated tour demonstrating how clients can seamlessly access various services each organization offers.  

“Collaboration is at the heart of our mission and this new partnership with Workforce Solutions underscores that notion and most importantly, shows the power of what can happen when organizations come together for the greater good,” said Sari Vatske, President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “This partnership is more than just providing food; it’s about empowering our neighbors with the resources they need to build a better future. By streamlining access to essentials like nutritious meals and sustainable jobs, we provide a dignified experience for our neighbors.

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About Central Texas Food Bank

The mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners and nutrition programs, serving about 70,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on the Food Bank and its programs, visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.

About Workforce Solutions

Workforce Solutions Capital Area is the non-profit organization that serves as the leadership and governing body for the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. They are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Learn more at WFSCapitalArea.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube.[1] 

B-roll and soundbites from the event can be found HERE.