Help us provide year-round equitable access to food and nutrition for families in Central Texas
Equitable access to food changes everything and will open the door to health and wellbeing!
– Our H4H flagship events will provide more than 2,500 families in Central Texas with a full holiday meal kit.
– Expand food access for 20,000 individuals annually via year-round drive-thru, mobile, and home-delivery food pantry initiatives
– Provide assistance to access public services such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid and other health and social services
– Provide wraparound services – addressing individuals’ and families’ health and wellbeing to ensure access to additional social and health resources.
$500 helps provide 10 meal kits
$100 facilitates 10 referrals for additional services
$25 provides one can of baby formula
$250 helps serve 50 families via food pantry
$50 supports delivery of 5 prepared meals
Click Here to Donate Now
Learn More About Hands for Hope
Click here to learn more about your financial contribution.
Learn more about your financial contribution:
We are grateful for your support in all ways! For over 20 years, El Buen has committed to continue developing our Hands for Hope Campaign (H4H) and Flagship Events in efforts to remain a trusted resource for our community. We have learned that financial assistance is the greatest gift to support our initiative to raise awareness and create access to food. We can best steward your support by:
- Leverage our 501(C)3 tax-exempt status to receive significant bulk discounts and rates on food items given in the holiday meal kits
- Provide quality, nutritious, and fresh food on a consistent basis year-round
- Supporting El Buen’s capacity including staffing, securing of food, storage of perishable and non-perishable food, delivery of meals, data and technology infrastructure.
El Buen’s H4H Campaign fundraising goal of $450,000 allows us to not only continue our Flagship Holiday Meal distribution events but to:
- Carry out our H4H flagship holiday meal distribution events in November and December.
- Expand food pantry geographic reach and infrastructure through home-delivery models, mobile food pantry strategies and implementing pop-up pantry services for year-round services.
- Increase and diversify the capacity of our partners to create access to food in Central Texas food deserts.
- Increase access to and equitable distribution of healthy foods for food-insecure families.
- Provide prepared meals to the elderly, youth, and families/individuals not able to cook.
- Address participant’s health and social needs by facilitating referrals to additional services.
El Buen’s Hands for Hope initiative is made possible by contributions from compassionate donors like YOU, together we will deliver hope! Please consider making a generous gift at elbuen.org/donate
Click here to learn more about Food Inequity in Central Texas.
El Buen Samaritano’s for Hope (H4H) Food Equity and Access Campaign raises awareness about hunger in Central Texas, supports year-round food access and nutrition services, and funds our flagship H4H holiday meal distribution events in November & December enabling food access to 2,500 families.
Equitable access to food is at the center of El Buen’s mission. El Buen has been raising awareness about hunger in Central Texas and on the frontline of food access for 35 years. El Buen was founded in 1987 to improve access to food and health services while focusing on the systemic factors and social determinants of health negatively affecting Latinos and immigrants – the majority of the people we serve are Latino immigrants living on incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, and families living along the Travis North and South Eastern Crescent. In addition, to overseeing one of the largest pantries in Austin/Travis County, El Buen provides an array of supportive services creating access to health care, vaccines, education (adult & youth), financial and rent assistance.
Food insecurity is one of the root causes of poor health. By providing access to healthy foods El Buen addresses one of the primary social determinants of health. In Austin, 25% of census tracts are identified as food deserts, many of which are neighborhoods with higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and residents of color. Austin’s Eastern Crescent has the longest average distances to food retail, lowest household incomes, and fewest transportation options.
Over a period of days at the onset of the pandemic, El Buen scaled our food equity and access operations to serve at seven times our capacity. We have multiple methods for creating access to food and nutrition that include drive-through pantry services, mobile and pop-up pantries, as well as home-delivery services working in collaboration with partner organizations across Austin-Travis and surrounding counties. During the pandemic, El Buen was the first food pantry that began piloting direct food delivery partnerships to provide food for thousands of individuals at home, who due to COVID-19 were unable to travel to traditional food pantries – we partnered with 12 organizations including Capital Metro to deliver food.
El Buen’s annual H4H Campaign funds El Buen’s year-round food access programming addressing the ongoing and growing food insecurity in Central Texas resulting from the pandemic and the current economic challenges. Your financial contribution allows El Buen to provide nutrition to more than 20,000 individuals through the following services across Central Texas:
- Carry out our H4H flagship holiday meal distribution events in November and December.
- Expand food pantry geographic reach and infrastructure through home-delivery models, mobile food pantry strategies and implementing pop-up pantry services for year-round services.
- Increase and diversify the capacity of our partners to create access to food in Central Texas food deserts.
- Increase access to and equitable distribution of healthy foods for food-insecure families.
- Provide prepared meals to the elderly, youth, and families/individuals not able to cook.
- Address participant’s health and social needs by facilitating referrals to additional services.
El Buen’s Hands for Hope Campaign goal will be reached by contributions from compassionate donors like YOU.
Please consider funding our efforts at: www.elbuen.org/donate
Click here to learn more about how you can volunteer at Hands for Hope.
Volunteer roles:
Hands for Hope will take place as a drive through system on our campus, and all volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated and must be 16 years or older.
Traffic Control Team
We are using a drive thru style strategy to safely distribute this year’s holiday meal kits. Volunteers in this team will navigate traffic to minimize delays and increase efficiency and safety.
This team will create a welcoming environment for our volunteers and vendors attending H4H.
Preparation Teams
This team will safely place the holiday meal kits in clients’ vehicles.
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
Starting October 3rd, individuals can apply to volunteer and learn more about our events, by visiting elbuen.org/volunteer
El Buen Samaritano
7000 Woodhue Drive
Austin, TX 78745
When:
November 19th, 2022
Shifts vary between 6:30AM to 2:00PM
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hands for Hope (H4H)?
Hands for Hope (H4H) is our annual Campaign that raises awareness about hunger in Central Texas and supports our year-round food access services, including our flagship H4H holiday meal distribution events in November and December.
- What are El Buen’s efforts to address food inequities in Central Texas?
El Buen’s H4H fundraising goal is $450,000. Allowing us to:
- Carry out our H4H flagship holiday meal distribution events in November and December.
- Expand food pantry geographic reach and infrastructure through home-delivery models, mobile food pantry strategies and implementing pop-up pantry services for year-round services.
- Increase and diversify the capacity of our partners to create access to food in Central Texas food deserts.
- Increase access to and equitable distribution of healthy foods for food-insecure families.
- Provide prepared meals to the elderly, youth, and families/individuals not able to cook.
- Address participant’s health and social needs by facilitating referrals to additional services.
- What services does El Buen provide for the community?
El Buen Samaritano was founded in 1987 to improve access to food and health services while focusing on the systemic factors and social determinants of health negatively affecting Latinos and immigrants – the majority of the people we serve are Latino immigrants living on incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, and families living along the Travis Eastern Crescent.
El Buen oversees one of the largest food pantries in Austin/Travis County and provides an array of supportive services creating access to health care, education (adult & youth), financial and rent assistance. To learn visit https://elbuen.org/services/
- I want to be a part of Hands for Hope, how can I get involved?
Please consider making a generous gift by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word of our mission to address food inequities in Central Texas!
- How can I donate?
To make a gift, you can donate to the campaign online by visiting www.elbuen.org/donate or mail cash or check to:
El Buen Samaritano
7000 Woodhue Drive
Austin TX, 78745
Please make sure to note if you are affiliated with a participating Episcopal church or school (either on the online donation form, by noting it in the memo line of a check or including a note with cash contribution). If writing check or giving cash, please also note that the gift is toward “Hands for Hope Campaign.”
- How can I sign up to volunteer for the event? Can children volunteer in the event?
You can apply to volunteer at: https://elbuen.org/volunteer/
To volunteer at the event, volunteers must be 18 years old and older.
- Can I donate canned goods, toys, or other items during Hands for Hope?
We are grateful for your support in all ways! For over 20 years, El Buen has committed to continue developing our Hands for Hope Fundraising Campaign (H4H) and Flagship Events in efforts to remain a trusted resource for our community. We have learned that financial assistance is the greatest gift to support our initiative to raise awareness and create access to food. We can best steward your support by:
- Leveraging our 501(C)3 tax-exempt status to receive significant bulk discounts and rates on food items given in the holiday meal kits
- Providing quality, nutritious, and fresh food on a consistent basis year-round
- Supporting El Buen’s capacity including staffing, securing of food, storage of perishable and non-perishable food, delivery of meals, data and technology infrastructure.
Food and various other donation drives will resume during the year. If you’d like to know more, please contact us at development@elbuen.org
H4H Event
- When can I register?
- Every year, we open phone registrations the two Fridays before thanksgiving over two shifts in the morning (7AM-11AM) and evening (5PM-8PM).
Registration will remain open until all registration slots have been filled.
- How do I register?
Those wishing to register need to call (512) 543-7903 during registration dates and times. Clients will be registered, given an appointment time of when to pick up their meal at the event and a Client ID Number that will be needed when they arrive at the event.
- Who is eligible to register?
Any family who is experiencing food insecurity or financial hardship may register. No need to bring any special proof, we are counting on you to be as honest and accurate about your situation as possible.
- What day is the Event?
Hands for Hope takes place the Saturday before thanksgiving.
You will receive a unique appointment; come ONLY at your specified appointment time. Entry will not be allowed outside of your appointment time.
- What will families receive?
During the Holiday Meal Distribution events, families will receive a frozen turkey, bag of side items for a holiday meal, a pie, and a fresh produce bag from El Buen Samaritano.
- What time should I pick up my meal kit?
Families will receive a unique appointment; please come ONLY at your specified appointment time. Entry will not be allowed outside of your appointment time.
- What do I need to bring to pick up my meal kit?
You need to bring ANY kind of photo I.D. to identify yourself as the person who is registered to pick up the holiday meal. This can be Driver license, ID, Consular ID, Matricula, College ID, School ID, etc. We just want to make sure we’re giving the turkey to the right person! You should also bring your Client ID Number that we give you when you register over the phone.
- What if I don’t have a car?
For a limited number of participants who arrive by public transportation or by walking, we will have a walk-up distribution area. If you are not arriving by car, please make sure to let us know when you register, so we can plan for your arrival!
- Who can I bring in the vehicle with me to the event?
Please only bring members of your household in the vehicle. If you are picking up a meal kit for someone else, please let us know this when you register so we can have this information in our records.
- Can someone else pick up my holiday meal for me?
Yes! During registration, please let us know the name of the person who is picking up your holiday meal. They will need to bring a photo ID for identification and your Client ID Number. If you need to change your pickup person, you can always call us at 512-439-8900 to edit your pickup person’s information.
- Can I bring my neighbor/family member/friend with me if we both signed up for the event?
We ask that only people from your household should ride in the vehicle with you. You are welcome to pick up your neighbor’s holiday meal, just let us know during registration and ensure you have their Client ID Number and their consent. You can then drop off their holiday meal at their house in a safe and socially distant manner.
- Can I use the restroom at the event? Can I leave my car?
No, RESTROOMS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. For safety precautions, participants will NOT be allowed to leave their vehicles during our event. Please ensure you will not need to use our facilities during the event and plan accordingly.
- Where will you be placing the bags in my vehicle?
We will load bags into your trunk or truck cabin to practice social distancing. Make sure to leave enough room in your trunk or truck cabin to load bags.
- I heard you can sign up through other organizations partnering with El Buen. Can I sign up through them and El Buen?
No, we have partnered with other organizations in Central Texas to serve more community members but reduce the number of people we will see on campus. If you are a member of one of those organizations, you can sign up with them to receive a gift card to purchase your holiday meal, but you will be ineligible to sign up to El Buen’s distribution event.
We have partnered with other organizations to serve other populations that do not have the means to cook the holiday meal that we provide. These population include the unhoused population, families living in mobile homes, families or individuals living in shelters and more. If you have registered with one of those organizations, please do not register again though us and allow another family to benefit from our gift. The holiday meal that we provide, and the gift families receive through partners equals to the same monetary value.
- Will there be media at the event?
Yes, there will be media at the event. There will be new coverage for this grand event. A media release consent is required in the registration process.
- Will there be vendors at the event?
Yes, there will be vendors (companies and organizations advertising), but there will be no physical client contact with anyone.
Thanks To Our Supporters!
