Hill Country Community Ministries

Who Can Visit?

Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM) serves residents living within specific zip codes: 78613, 78641, 78642, 78645, 78717, 78726, 78729, 78732, 78750, and 78759. The pantry is open to people facing job loss, poverty, aging, disability, chronic illness, or family emergencies. There are income guidelines for the food pantry program, which you can review on the website in English, Spanish, or Ukrainian.

First-time visitors are welcome to walk in during open hours with no appointment needed. If you'd like to save time, you can complete the client application online before you arrive, or fill it out at the Welcome Center when you get there.

How to Register?

If this is your first visit, you can fill out the client application in English or Spanish online, or complete it in person at the Welcome Center. For returning clients, please call <a href="tel:5122590360">512-259-0360</a> ext. 201 to schedule your next appointment.

How Often You Can Visit?

The food pantry is an appointment-based program for returning clients, typically on a monthly basis. The Community Cupboard, which offers fresh produce, bread, and more, is open every weekday and you're welcome to come once a day, every day.

Good to Know

When you arrive for the first time, you'll be welcomed at the Welcome Center where staff will walk you through the process. You can request one-time emergency food or set up ongoing monthly food assistance. A case manager will be assigned to you based on your household size and needs. The pantry is closed for lunch from 12pm to 1pm each weekday. The Community Cupboard closes 10 minutes before the main closing time each day.

Food & Essentials

The Food Pantry is stocked with nonperishable food, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, pastries, and essential personal care items. The Community Cupboard offers fresh items like fruits, vegetables, bread, pastries, and more on a walk-in basis every weekday. One reviewer described receiving sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, bread, yogurt, salads, baked goods, a whole turkey, rice, and sandwiches.

HCCM also provides clothing through a thrift-style clothing program. Through their partnership with the Austin Diaper Bank, diapers are available to clients as well.

How to Pick Up

For the food pantry, returning clients pick up their order by appointment. One reviewer noted that "your food order will be ready when you arrive" and "wait time is minimal." For the Community Cupboard, it's a walk-in experience with no appointment needed during open hours.

Additional Support

Beyond food, HCCM offers a range of other services. These include:

• Clothing: Clients have access to clothing through HCCM's programs.
• Baby supplies: Diapers are available through a partnership with the Austin Diaper Bank.
• Other essentials: Backpack supplies, coats and blankets, fans, and brand-new athletic shoes through the "Laces" program.
• Case management: Volunteer case managers conduct interviews, assess needs, and connect clients with community resources.
• Referrals: HCCM links clients to outside agencies for help with food, housing, financial assistance, and transportation.
• Fresh Food for All: A mobile produce distribution program with 9 sites across the area, offering free fresh fruits and vegetables at various community locations throughout the month.

Ways to Give

You can support HCCM by donating food, giving money, or donating items to the thrift store. Food donations can be dropped off at 1005 Lacy Drive, Monday through Friday, 9am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm (Thursdays until 7pm). If you have a large donation, call ahead at <a href="tel:5122590360">512-259-0360</a> ext. 205 to make sure volunteers are available to help.

Financial gifts can be made by credit card online, by check mailed to P.O. Box 1064, Leander, TX 78646, or through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). The federal Tax ID is 74-2309435.

How to Join the Team?

HCCM welcomes volunteers at both the food pantry and the thrift store. Food pantry volunteer roles include assembling food orders, organizing donations, stocking shelves, volunteer case management, driving to pick up donations from area grocery stores, property maintenance, administrative help, truck unloading, and light gardening. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available Monday through Friday.

Thrift store volunteers help greet shoppers, sort clothing, receive donations, and stock shelves. Shifts run Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 6:00pm.

To apply, fill out the volunteer application online. For food pantry questions, contact Kandy Chimento at <a href="mailto:kandy.chimento@hccm.org">kandy.chimento@hccm.org</a> or call <a href="tel:5122590360">512-259-0360</a> ext. 205. For the thrift store, contact Jared Burgen at <a href="mailto:thriftstore@hccm.org">thriftstore@hccm.org</a> or call <a href="tel:5123346464">512-334-6464</a>.

HCCM also offers an unpaid internship for Social Work, Human Services, or Case Management students who need hands-on hours. Contact Kandy at <a href="mailto:kandy.chimento@hccm.org">kandy.chimento@hccm.org</a> for details.