AUSTIN, Texas — On Friday afternoon, volunteers at the Central Texas Food Bank were stuffing boxes with canned goods and other food items to send out to the community as the region braces for the impending arctic blast.
The food bank has been hosting distributions all week to ensure everyone in need has what they need ahead of the freezing temperatures.
CEO Sari Vatske said the food bank has more than 25 vehicles with drivers on standby in case of any extra resources that are required, so long as conditions permit.
"The only thing more important to us than closing the meal gap is making sure that our team is safe," Vatske said. "So as long as road conditions are safe, we will operate."
The food bank serves 21 counties, with a winter weather alert accessible to everyone.
Vatske noted that despite the harsh winter weather that is expected to roll in, crews are always ready to be mobilized. However, past winter storms have taught them to be more prepared.
"I think the lesson learned is really planning with government. And so that's why we want to make sure that if they open the shelters, they know that we're here as a resource," Vatske said. "Hopefully, we get through this unscathed."
Vatske noted the food bank does lean on its sister food banks, and those centers will likely be affected with the incoming cold front.
For anyone who still needs food items, the food bank is hosting distribution events in Fredericksburg and at the KIPP School in South Austin on Saturday morning.
- The Fredericksburg location will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- The KIPP School South location will be open from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- The distribution events will pick back up again on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
For other locations and events, you can head to the food bank's Find Food Now page.