St. Ignatius Martyr Food Pantry

St. Ignatius Martyr Campus
2303 Euclid Ave., Austin, Texas 78704

Monday - Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(512) 442-0226

“You pray for the Hungry. Then you feed them.
This is how prayer works.”
– Pope Francis.  

Here at the Food Pantry we continue to help our brothers and sisters in need. With temperatures already this summer soaring above 100 degrees, we are seeing short tempers and impatience. We are going to try installing a misting system on our tent to see if we can provide people with a bit of relief. It is an example of trying to meet the changing needs of people, which are sometimes beyond just food and clothing. The City of Austin also provides cooling centers for those in need; the list can be found at the city website.

Your donations of non-perishables and cash are becoming more and more essential. Due to shipping problems and food shortages the world is currently experiencing, the Central Texas Food Bank we order from cannot cover all the needs of our community. Your donations are key to filling in the gaps. Last month alone St. Ignatius parishioners donated almost a ton of food! This allows us to continue helping our neighbors in need. We particularly need canned vegetables at this time.  

Thank you, and God Bless!
Deacon Richard Tucker
Director of St. Ignatius Food Pantry

The St. Ignatius Martyr Food Pantry is a ministry of St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, an equal opportunity provider, and is supported by donations from parishioners and other generous benefactors. The Food Pantry has been serving those in need since 1980.

The Food Pantry is a Gold Partner with the Central Texas Food Bank, and also receives donations from a number of local businesses including HEB, Moonlight Bakery, Starbucks, Papa John’s, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Pizza Hut.

A team of 40 active volunteers put in nearly 800 hours each month.

• The Food Pantry will remain open regular hours (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) Monday through Wednesday and maintain our existing frequency and residence location restrictions.
• We are compliant with all Central Texas Food Bank and Diocese of Austin directives
• We practice a pre-packaged food distribution model.  All families should get dry goods, canned fruits, vegetables and meats.  In addition, we will provide bread, frozen meat and fresh produce as available.
• The lobby and the back room are no longer open to clients; however, coffee and donuts are available outside under the tent.
• Clients will be asked to register at the window, and will be called to the door when their order is ready. AGAIN, CLIENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THE BUILDING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
• Clients are asked to leave the property once they are served.
• At this time we plan to distribute food, bus passes and prescription vouchers.

The pantry offers free produce and baked goods on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., or it runs out. Everyone is welcome, and no pre-registration is required.

The pantry provides food and hygiene supplies, offers infant food and diapers, offers assistance paying for medical prescriptions and distributes Capital Metro day bus passes to homeless men and women and those who reside in area zip codes 78704, 78741, 78744, 78745 and 78746. In addition, the Food Pantry assists those in underserved zip codes 78617 and 78748. This ministry is an equal opportunity provider.

Approximately 900 households are served each month, representing more than 2,000 individuals. Of these, approximately 35 – 45% are homeless. Homeless are eligible to receive food assistance twice a month; residents once per month.

Volunteering 

• Our most immediate need is for assistance with food pick-ups from our partner restaurants and grocery stores. Some of the pickups are early 6am, other later in the morning or afternoon.
• We also need help performing client intake interviews and fulfilling food orders during our operating hours.
• To help in this ministry volunteers must have a genuine desire to serve those in need and must complete Ethics & Integrity in Ministry (EIM) certification.
• Most volunteers work one day per week. Since the pandemic, we have been operating with a reduced number of volunteers. As we reopen, we encourage anyone who is interested to contact us about volunteer opportunities.  

Donating

• Cash or online donations are always welcome and appreciated
• Non-perishable food is accepted at the food pantry, in the baskets in the back of church or at the church office
• Household items including towels, blankets, backpacks, sleeping bags, laundry detergent etc. are always helpful
• Toiletries such as travel size shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant are always in demand for our hygiene kits.

• Travel size hygiene items – Razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand lotions, shampoo, and other hygiene.
• Reading Glasses – Sizes: 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25, and 3.50.
• Baby Diapers – Sizes:  3, 4, 5, & 6.
• Adult Diapers – Sizes:  Medium, Large, & Extra Large
• Baby Wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Backpacks
• Socks
• Insect Repellent – Spray Types
• Summer Time – Box Fans
• Rain Coats/Ponchos
• Umbrellas
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Peanut Butter
• Pasta, Rice, Mac & Cheese, Ramen Noodles
• Beans of all types
• Dry Milk/Cereal/Instant Potatoes

Richard Tucker
Director of St. Ignatius Martyr Food Pantry
rtucker@st-ignatius.org