About Us:

CAFB 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 feeding 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 the Food Bank became a certified affiliate of America's Second Harvest  - The Nation's Food Bank Network. 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 began operations, a third food bank opened in Dallas.

In CAFB's first year (1982), fewer than 330,000 pounds of food were recovered, stored and distributed.

In 2006

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

Today

, more than 15 million pounds of food and grocery products are distributed each year.

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