AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin Restaurant Weeks is going on now until Sept. 15, as one of the biggest fundraisers for the Central Texas Food Bank.
More than a hundred local eateries are participating, but it's not just about trying new dishes at different places. It also helps make sure Central Texas families have access to food.
Food bank representatives said there are more people facing hunger from food insecurity now than they've seen in a long time, including about 200,000 people across Central Texas.
The food bank is spending more than $1 million a month to try to meet the demand for those who need food assistance. Every dollar raised through events like Restaurant Weeks makes a difference.
"So, you get to have a fun time, you know, eating a great meal when you are participating in Austin restaurant weeks," Central Texas Food Bank community engagement director Amelia Long said.
"But it's also knowing that you're helping someone else access food and that you're helping them get what they need to have a healthy life and a happy life."
Part of the proceeds from each meal or drink deal goes towards the food bank's mission to feed Central Texans.
"It's so cool to know that when diners are eating out at Austin restaurant weeks, they are helping um people in our community get help with meals and nutrition that they need to, to survive and to thrive," Long said.
Restaurant owners like Chef Nathan Lemley of Foreign and Domestic said they are glad to be able to help.
"We just want to make an impact on that and do anything that we can. It's an easy one for us. We just cook food and people get fed and it's, you know, super, it's super important I think," Lemley said.
"I feel like we need to help uh help with this as much as we can. And it's a, it's kind of a win, win for everybody. You know, they come in and eat food and then someone else gets to eat from the money that they spent on their dinner."
The restaurants have $20 lunch or $40 and $60 dinner specials. Some places are even offering brunch or drink specials. You can find a full list here online.