ABOUT US

In its 31st year of service, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) provides food and grocery products to more than 300 Partner Agencies in 21 Central Texas counties. In Fiscal Year 2010-11, CAFB provided more than 24 million pounds of food. The CAFB service area covers 19,064 square miles in Central Texas.  The mission of the Capital Area Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger.

Our History

In 1981, a small group of concerned Austinites from the United Urban Council (the predecessor of today' Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT)) and individuals from several community organizations formed the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas, Inc. They recognized the need for emergency food assistance, as well as the availability of surplus food from various food companies and grocery stores that might otherwise go to waste.

In March 1982, CAFB was incorporated under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, and in 1983 CAFB became a certified member of Feeding America. The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization.

CAFB was the second food bank in Texas; the first opened in San Antonio in 1979. One month after CAFB opened, a third Texas food bank opened in Dallas. In CAFB's first year (1982), about 330,000 pounds of food were provided.

In 2006, CAFB added an important public role – leader and public advocate for hungry Central Texans. CAFB supports anti-hunger local, state and federal legislation, and provides leadership to mobilize community action.

Food and grocery products provided by CAFB go to human and social service agencies. These Partner Agencies provide hot meals served on-site or groceries to Central Texans in need.

A Fiscal Year 2010-11 Snapshot

Number of years CAFB has been in operation: 31 years
Pounds of food and grocery products provided: 24 million
Total amount paid by the food recipients: $0
Number of meals provided  18.5 million
Number of CAFB Partner Agencies that received food: 300
Territory served: 21 counties; 19,000 square miles; 2.5 million total population
Size of Distribution Center: 60,000 square feet
Size of freezers and coolers: 160,000 cubic feet
Number of regional delivery sites: 21
Number of food donors: 402
Largest food donor: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Number of paid CAFB staff: 75
Volunteers: 14,000
Volunteer hours donated: 91,000
Age range of Food Bank volunteers: 8 to 94 years old
Largest local retail donor: H-E-B Grocery Company
Fastest growing product area: Fresh produce
Food items most requested by agencies' clients: Canned meats, cereal, dried pasta and pasta sauce
Most requested non-food item: Diapers