El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission

Who Can Visit?

El Buen Samaritano's food pantry is open to families and individuals in Central Texas. You don't need an appointment to come. Clients are welcome to pick up food for themselves as well as for neighbors or family members who may be homebound, mobility impaired, or without transportation.

Good to Know

The pantry is a partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank and has served the community for several decades. Many of the people they serve live below the federal poverty line or in food deserts, and the team is committed to making sure everyone has equal access to food. They offer services in both English and Spanish.

Food & Essentials

The food pantry provides emergency food assistance with nutritious food. Through partnerships with organizations like the Austin Diaper Bank and Austin Animal Center, they're also able to provide diapers and pet food based on availability. On the third Wednesday of each month, they hold a Diaper Distribution from 8:30 am to 10:00 am. Feminine hygiene products may also be available during diaper distribution days.

How to Pick Up

The food pantry operates as a drive-thru. Clients can arrive at the gates by vehicle or walk up. No appointment is necessary.

Food Pantry hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

Diaper Distribution: Every third Wednesday of the month, 8:30 am to 10:00 am.

Additional Support

El Buen Samaritano offers a wide range of services beyond the food pantry, including health services, adult education (ESL and computer classes), youth after-school programs, family planning, vaccine clinics, financial and rental assistance, and benefits application assistance. They also partner with Austin Community College, Workforce Solutions Capital Area, and St. John's Episcopal Church to host weekly mobile food pantries throughout the community, offering nutritious shelf-stable foods and fresh produce. Be sure to check their website for the mobile pantry schedule and find a location near you!

Ways to Give

You can support El Buen Samaritano in several ways. Donate online at any time at elbuen.networkforgood.com. Monthly giving is the most convenient and effective way to provide consistent help. Many employers offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple your gift. You can also transfer appreciated stock or securities by emailing development@elbuen.org. Payroll giving is another option to ask your HR department about.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are the heart of El Buen Samaritano. You can volunteer with the food pantry to help prepare or distribute food through their drive-through style service. Morning shifts are available Monday through Thursday. All volunteer opportunities require a semester-long commitment and COVID-19 vaccination. Interested volunteers need to complete an online application, consent to a background check, participate in a new volunteer information session, and attend job-specific training. For group volunteer opportunities, contact volunteer@elbuen.org. You can also apply at elbuen.org/volunteer-application/.