Are you looking for a way to give back to your community and make a tangible difference in someone’s life? Food donation is a powerful act of kindness that directly impacts individuals and families facing food insecurity. At Central Texas Food Bank, we make it easy for you to contribute and help nourish lives right here in Central Texas.
For smaller donations, consider amplifying your impact by hosting a Virtual Food Drive. This online tool allows you to raise meals virtually, extending your reach and simplifying the donation process. Alternatively, you can organize a traditional food drive using our comprehensive toolkit, designed to guide you through each step and maximize your contribution.
RAISE MEALS ONLINE
FOOD DONATION FAQ
FOOD INDUSTRY DONATIONS
Easy Ways to Make Food Donations
Already have food items ready to donate? We’ve streamlined the process to make Food Donations as convenient as possible, whether you have a small individual contribution or a larger quantity.
Individual Food Donations (Under 1,500 Pounds)
For individual donors contributing less than 1,500 pounds of food – approximately the equivalent of two standard pickup truck beds – we kindly request direct delivery to either the Central Texas Food Bank or one of our esteemed partner food pantries. This approach ensures efficient handling and distribution of your generous contributions.
Drop Off at the Central Texas Food Bank
You can easily drop off your food donation directly at our main facility:
Address: 6500 Metropolis Dr. Austin, TX 78744.
Drop-off Instructions: Enter via the parking lot entrance off Burleson Rd. Proceed through the black gate to our Warehouse loading dock and park in designated spots at docks 8, 9, and 10. You will find a designated food donation bin on the loading dock for your convenience.
Drop-off Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. There’s no need to weigh your donation – simply drop it off and go!
Donation Receipt: For your records, you can download a donation receipt here.
Donate to a Local Food Pantry Partner
If you prefer to donate closer to home or wish to support a pantry directly serving your neighborhood, consider dropping off your donation at one of our partner food pantries.
Find a Pantry Near You: Use our online locator tool HERE to find a partner pantry in your vicinity.
Important Note: Pantry operating hours vary, and some may prefer scheduling a drop-off time. To ensure a smooth and successful delivery, we strongly recommend contacting the pantry beforehand to confirm their hours and any specific instructions.
Hunters for the Hungry Program
For hunters looking to contribute in a unique way, our “Hunters for the Hungry” program offers a fantastic opportunity. Legally tagged and field-dressed whitetail or mule deer can be donated at participating meat processors. These partners then prepare the venison for distribution through the Central Texas Food Bank, providing a valuable source of protein to those in need.
Learn more about the Hunters for the Hungry program and how hunters can contribute to our community. Interested in participating? Contact CTFB staff at [email protected] for further details.
Safety Reminder: For your safety and that of our staff, please wear closed-toe shoes when dropping off donations and adhere to a speed limit of 5 mph within the drop-off zone.
Large Food Donations (Over 1,500 Pounds)
For substantial food donations exceeding 1,500 pounds, please contact our dedicated team to arrange a convenient pick-up. To facilitate efficient handling, kindly ensure all donations are securely packed in sturdy cardboard boxes or strong bags that can withstand transport without tearing or tipping.
Reach out to our donation coordinators at 512-220-2775, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to schedule your pick-up.
Organize a Food Drive to Maximize Food Donations
Hosting a food drive is an impactful way to rally your community, workplace, or organization to collectively contribute to food donations. We deeply appreciate your support, especially during crucial times like the holiday season. To ensure your food drive is as effective as possible, please follow these recommended steps:
- Maximize Your Impact with Virtual Food Drives: For individuals and groups anticipating collections under 1,500 pounds, we strongly encourage considering a Virtual Food Drive. This online approach is exceptionally efficient for raising meals. If you opt for a traditional food drive, we recommend creating a Virtual Food Drive page to complement your efforts with monetary donations, which significantly amplify our purchasing power and ability to acquire most-needed items. Virtual Food Drives represent the most effective way to support the Food Bank, particularly during peak demand periods.
Virtual Food Drive Information
- Prepare Your Food Donation Collection: Proper preparation is key to a successful food drive. Please ensure all donated items are packed in robust cardboard boxes with reinforced bottoms or durable bags that will not rip or overturn. Boxes are available for pick-up at our warehouse, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Learn more about preparing your food donation for collection.
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Spread the Word About Your Food and Fund Drives: Effective promotion is crucial to maximizing participation in your food drive. Explore our resources for food and fund drives, accessible at the bottom of this page, for promotional materials and outreach strategies.
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Focus on Our Most Needed Food Items: To ensure your donations are most impactful, please consult our most needed items list. Additionally, review our Food Donation FAQ page to understand what items we can and cannot accept, ensuring all contributions are usable and safe for distribution.
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Deliver Your Collected Food Donations: The final step is delivering the generous contributions you’ve gathered! Food donations can be dropped off at the Central Texas Food Bank Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., without needing an appointment.
Drop-off Location: 6500 Metropolis Dr. Austin, TX 78744. Use the parking lot entrance off Burleson Rd., drive through the black gate to our Warehouse loading dock, and park in docks 8, 9, or 10. Place food donations in the designated bin on the loading dock. No weighing is required – simply drop off and go! A donation receipt can be downloaded here.
For further details regarding food donation drop-off locations and additional information, please consult our comprehensive FOOD DONATION FAQ.
By donating food, you become a vital partner in our mission to combat hunger and nourish our Central Texas community. Thank you for your generosity and support!
