Austin Reggae Fest has become a key part of the live music scene in Austin. Founded on the belief that music can and should improve the lives of those in need, the festival first began by accepting donated canned goods to benefit the Food Bank as admission. Twenty-three years later, the festival is now one of the Food Bank’s largest fundraisers and in the last decade has helped raise more than $1 million to feed Central Texans in need.
Due to inclement weather, the Sunday portion of this year's festival was cancelled, resulting in a $100,000 loss - equivalent to 400,000 meals for hungry families in Central Texas. A loss we cannot afford, especially with the rise of food insecurity during the summer.
After learning about the cancellation, our community rallied together to help bridge the funding gap. We are amazed by the support we have received from everyone. From a simple social media share to media coverage about the loss, to holding fundraisers and donating money, we couldn’t be more thankful for the love the Central Texas community has shown to help their neighbors.
Local media outlets KXAN, KVUE, FOX 7, KEYE and TWC News helped provide updates about the festival’s cancellation and the loss the Food Bank faced. Thanks to their coverage, more Central Texans learned about the Food Bank’s shortfall and took action.
Taking time out of his busy schedule, Austin Mayor Adler reminded the community about the Food Bank’s efforts to fight hunger and stopped by to volunteer in our product recovery warehouse, cleaning and sorting food that would help feed families.
Even Food Bank beneficiaries stepped up to help. Though the Food Bank’s Partner Agency, Schulenburg Area Food Pantry, only receives 40,000 pounds of food a year to help serve 150 families a month, this small food pantry couldn’t stand by and do nothing. During their 20th anniversary celebration, they presented the Food Bank with a $1,000 check to help meet the funding gap. Their donation helped provide 4,000 meals for those in need.
Corporations also joined the effort. HealthTronics couldn’t wait until our busiest time of the year to make a donation. They knew we needed the help right away and they didn’t hesitate to make a $5,000 donation to the Food Bank that would provide 20,000 meals.
As word spread, the news reached more than just Central Texans. Former Austin-based radio personality, Bobby Bones, now airing from Nashville, quickly took action and began raising funds by selling Pimpin’ Joy apparel through The Shop Forward. With 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Food Bank, they were able to raise $12,000. Thanks to their efforts, they helped provide 48,000 meals for struggling families.
We can’t thank our community enough for their generosity and their support during this critical hit, however we are still short of closing the funding gap resulting from the rained out Reggae Festival. We still need your help to continue feeding hungry Central Texans. Make a donation today.
