Our Mission
Being hungry takes on many forms besides physical hunger. We see this in our kids and their families every day. Some are hungry for food, some for material needs, some for health, and some for friendship and community. Their soul is in need, and we have been called to help.
Beyond feeding children, we meet these relational needs by getting to know families by name and connecting them to resources and advocates at their schools. As a faith-motivated organization, we also connect families to the love of God through radical hospitality and care.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
We provide an opportunity for food-insecure children in the greater Austin area to have the nutrition necessary to succeed, thrive, and break the cycle of poverty.
Vision
We envision an Austin where all children are well-fed and have enhanced educational opportunities.
Values
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The wise use of resources, improving our services, and building community relationships that sustain our work.
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Excellence in leadership and striving to be servant leaders in Austin, our community.
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Actively listening and learning, appreciating the worth of each person we meet.
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Food education and advocacy programs that lead toward self-sufficiency.
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Accountability and reliability. We are known for our consistent service to the community.
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Our volunteers and their varied talents, passions, backgrounds, and commitment to respect, compassion, partnership, honesty, and godliness in all interactions.
Our History
Hungry Souls was founded in 2011 by Celeste and Jason Stanford. After going on a church mission trip, they felt compelled to do more to serve their community at home. When the principal at their children’s school mentioned that some of their children’s classmates were food insecure, they began to research hunger in the Austin area and soon discovered what a widespread issue it was in our community. So, they decided to fight hunger and started Hungry Souls in their local school.
Initially, Hungry Souls operated out of Jason's fence company with one shelf for food, one refrigerator/freezer unit, and one school partner where three families were served. As the program began to flourish, we moved to a storage unit, then two units, and eventually warehouse space at local churches.
Today, Hungry Souls partners with 29 schools and feeds more than 2,000 families a week.