Saint Ignatius Martyr Church Food Pantry

Who Can Visit?

The St. Ignatius Martyr Food Pantry welcomes families and homeless individuals who live in and around the Austin area. You don't need an appointment. Just walk up during open hours and take a number at the window to get started.

They ask for any form of ID, like a driver's license or a piece of mail, anything with your name and address. If you don't have an address, that's okay. Both residents and homeless individuals are welcome to receive food assistance.

For questions, you can call 512-442-3602 or reach the pantry director, Deacon Richard Tucker, at rtucker@st-ignatius.org.

How Often Can You Visit?

Both residents and homeless individuals are eligible to receive food assistance twice per month.

Good to Know

The pantry is closed on federal holidays, including 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 the Christmas break. The pantry is also closed on any day that St. Ignatius Martyr parish offices are closed.

Numbers stop being issued at 12:30 p.m. so that everyone can be served before closing time. Clients are asked to wait outside for their order to be called and to leave the property once they've been served. Restrooms are not available on-site.

The pantry has been serving people in need since 1978 and currently helps around 900 households each month, which is more than 2,000 individuals. It's a ministry of St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church and is an equal opportunity provider.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides:

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

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

Thankful Thursdays: Every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (or until supplies run out), the pantry offers free produce and baked goods to everyone. No pre-registration needed.

How to Pick Up

When you arrive, take a number at the window to register. You'll be called again when your order is ready. All pick-up is done outside. Clients cannot enter the building.

Ways to Give

There are several ways to support the pantry:

• Online: Donate to the Food Pantry Fund online. Select "Food Pantry Fund," enter an amount and frequency, and click "Continue."
• Drop-off: Sealed, non-perishable food is accepted at the food pantry, in the baskets in 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 for hygiene kits are always in demand.

Specific items the pantry needs:

• Travel-size hygiene items: razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand 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
• Socks
• Insect repellent (spray type)
• Box fans (during summer)
• Rain coats or ponchos
• Umbrellas
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Peanut butter
• Pasta, rice, mac and cheese, ramen noodles
• Beans (all types)
• Dry milk, cereal, instant potatoes

How to Join the Team?

The pantry has about 40 active volunteers who put in nearly 800 hours each month. There are a few ways to get involved:

• Food pickups: Help pick up food donations from partner restaurants and grocery stores. Some pickups start as early as 6 a.m., and others happen later in the morning or afternoon.
• Client intake and food orders: Help with client interviews and fulfilling food orders during operating hours.

To volunteer, you'll need a genuine desire to serve people in need and must complete the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) certification. You can learn more at st-ignatius.org/eim.