AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Oct. 17, the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) held food distribution events at Fort Hood and at the Austin Airport focused on federal employees and their families, according to a news release from the charity.
CTFB CEO Sari Watzke said the distributions were made to show federal workers that “their community stands with them.”
“As our federal military and civilian employees continue to serve our country, we want to make sure they have the resources they need,” Watzke said in the statement. “These special distributions are one way we can meet them where they are and thank them for their continued service.”
CTFB said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was in attendance at the Australian event. The closure affects “thousands” of Central Texans, he said in the statement.
“Thousands of federal employees in Central Texas are concerned that they will not be able to put food on the table because they are not getting paid,” Watson said. “No one should go hungry because they chose a career in public service. That’s why we do our best to care for our neighbors who take care of us every day.”
While the press release does not say how many workers were served at AUS, it notes that about 850 families were assisted through the Fort Hood event. More than 650 people are federal employees at AUS.
The nonprofit said its reach covers 21 Texas counties that are home to about 76,000 federal workers. She also said she realizes this may be the first time many workers have asked for help.
CTFB provides food assistance through several partner organizations, including: It can be found via its website. The group also said that increased demand due to the lockdown has stretched its resources; I asked those who Would you like to donate or volunteer? To do this online.