Hays County Food Bank in need of volunteer drivers

The Hays County Food Bank is one of the places to go to get help in Hays County, and it’s currently looking for more volunteers.

The food bank, which has helped families a week in need since 1984, serves about 750-900 families at six distribution locations in Hays County. The food bank relies upon volunteers to operate and are always happy to have help unloading and sorting. Currently it needs drivers to pick up and deliver food items.

“You don't have to have any kind of special driver's license or CDL because we just have large vans,” said Eleanor Owen-Oshan, Hays County Food Bank executive director. “If you have a clean driving record for the last three years, we'd love for you to come and drive for us. Usually, it's routes. We have different routes where you just go the local HEBs and a couple of restaurants. 

“We also pick up in Wimberley. So there's a route that goes out to Wimberley and there's a route that goes north to the Kyle and Buda stores. Last year volunteers logged over 26,000 hours of service, that is equivalent to 13 full-time employees. We have volunteers from different work programs, Texas Workforce, AARP and interns from Texas State University. So there's usually a variety of people here every day.”

Joanna Hawkins sorts through donations at the Hays County Food Bank.

Volunteer driver responsibilities include loading a van with empty boxes and visiting local restaurants and grocery stores to fill them up. Drivers are needed six days a week from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. They’re expected to be able to lift up to 20-pound boxes of food. Applicants must have a valid Texas driver’s license, have a clean driving record for the past three years -- some infractions are accepted -- and must pass a defensive driving test provided by the food bank. The Hays County Food Bank will provide all necessary training. 

Those interested in volunteering at the food bank, you can visit its website or call 512-392-8300.