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'This is a labor of love' | Austin nonprofit works to end childhood hunger one student at a time

HopeAustin started ago in hopes of ending childhood hunger. It started by serving 75 kids. Four years later, it's delivering meals for 1,200 kids.

AUSTIN, Texas — HopeAustin is a nonprofit that works to end childhood hunger. 

It currently provides meals for the weekend to students in five different Central Texas school districts. 

"There's always the need in the historically impoverished areas of our communities, however, there is hunger in areas where you would not believe there is hunger," said Monica von Waaden, one of HopeAustin's co-founders. "Areas such as Terra Vista, Steiner Ranch, River Place, Canyon Creek. We've served in these places, we serve in these places." 

The four-year-old nonprofit has grown a lot since it first started. In its first year, HopeAustin served 75 kids. Currently, the co-founders report it serves 1,200 kids. 

Each week, delivery drivers will drop off the meals that have been sorted and organized. 

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HopeAustin volunteers prepare bags for each student. Inside are six meals, two snacks and a protein drink. 

"So we’re serving more than just students on the free and reduced lunch, we’re serving children who have beyond that need," said von Waaden. "The schools have identified these students as when they go home, there’s minimal to little food to sustain them while they’re away from their free and reduced lunch programs."

If you'd like to volunteer with HopeAustin, click here

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