Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church

Who Can Visit?

The St. Ignatius Martyr Food Pantry is open to families and homeless men and women who live in and around the Austin area. You don't need an appointment. Just walk up during open hours and they'll take care of you. It's an equal opportunity provider, so everyone is welcome.

On Thursdays, the pantry offers free produce and baked goods through a program called Thankful Thursdays. No pre-registration is needed, and it's open to everyone.

What to Bring

If you can, bring any form of ID with your name on it. That could be a driver's license, a bill, or really anything with your name. If you don't have a home address, that's okay. It's not required.

How Often You Can Visit?

Both residents and people experiencing homelessness can receive food assistance twice per month.

Good to Know

The pantry is located at 2303 Euclid Ave., Austin, Texas 78704. You can call them at 512-442-3602.

Regular pantry hours are Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Numbers stop being issued at 12:30 p.m. so everyone can be served before closing. Thankful Thursdays runs 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (or until supplies run out).

The pantry is closed on federal holidays and on any days the parish offices are closed. Holiday closures include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, and Christmas break.

Clients take a number to register at the window and are called again when their order is ready. Clients are not able to enter the building, and restrooms aren't available on site.

Free hospitality coffee and donuts are available outside under the tent from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The pantry has been serving those in need since 1978 and is a Gold Partner with the Central Texas Food Bank.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides a range of items to help meet everyday needs:

• Dry goods, canned fruits, vegetables, and meats
• Bread and fresh produce (when available)
• Bus passes
• Medication vouchers
• Some clothing

The pantry receives food donations from local businesses including HEB, Moonlight Bakery, Starbucks, Papa John's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Pizza Hut.

How to Pick Up

Walk up to the pantry during open hours. You'll take a number at the window to register. When your order is ready, you'll be called back to pick it up. You can't enter the building, so everything is handled at the window. Once you've been served, clients are kindly asked to leave the property.

Additional Support

Along with food, the pantry can help with bus passes and medication vouchers. Staff can also connect you with other resources if what you need is outside what they offer.

Ways to Give

There are several ways to support the food pantry:

• Online donations: Donate to the Food Pantry Fund online. Select "Food Pantry Fund," enter your amount and frequency, and click "Continue."
• Food donations: Sealed, non-perishable food is accepted at the pantry, in the baskets at the back of the church, or at the church office.
• Household items: Towels, blankets, backpacks, sleeping bags, and laundry detergent are always helpful.
• Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, and deodorant are always in demand for hygiene kits.

Specific items the pantry needs most:

• Travel-size hygiene items (razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hand soap)
• Reading glasses (sizes 1.00 through 3.50)
• Baby diapers (all sizes)
• Adult diapers (all sizes)
• Baby wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Backpacks and socks
• Insect repellent (spray type)
• Box fans (in summer)
• Rain coats and ponchos
• Umbrellas
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Peanut butter
• Pasta, rice, mac and cheese, ramen noodles
• Beans of all types
• Dry milk, cereal, and instant potatoes

How to Join the Team?

About 40 active volunteers serve at the pantry each month, contributing nearly 800 hours of service. There's room for more helpers!

The biggest current need is for people to help pick up food donations from partner restaurants and grocery stores. Some pickups are early (around 6 a.m.) and others are later in the morning or afternoon. There's also a need for help with client intake interviews and fulfilling food orders during pantry hours.

To volunteer, you'll need a genuine desire to serve those in need and must complete Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) certification. To learn more or get started, reach out to Deacon Richard Tucker, Director of the Food Pantry, at rtucker@st-ignatius.org or call 512-442-3602.