ABOUT US

In its 29th year of service, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) provides food and grocery products to more than 350 Partner Agencies in 21 Central Texas counties. In 2009, CAFB provided more than 23 million pounds of food. The CAFB service area covers 19,064 square miles in Central Texas.

Our History

In 1981, a small group of concerned Austinites from the United Urban Council (the predecessor of today's Austin Area Interreligious Ministries) 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.

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