South Austin Church of the Nazarene began its Food Pantry Ministry in 1987.  Through our partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank, we began purchasing turkeys from them, as they became available in the months of November and December in 2008.  We quickly realized there was more of a need than the Food Bank could supply, and in 2011, this became a focused effort and passion for our congregation. Through a new partnership with Hill Country Church of the Nazarene, and eventually Reveal Resource Center, we started raising funds to purchase 200 turkeys for our community.  Over the years, we have added sides, such as stuffing, corn, green beans, and potatoes.  

Then in 2015, we began hosting an annual Pumpkin Patch during the month of October, which allowed us to partner with our community and be a part of something bigger.  With the combined support of South Austin families (through donations and pumpkin purchases) and local business sponsors (Summermoon Coffee, Thomas Esparza Law, and Constable Stacy Suits), we have been able to increase the quantity of turkeys, and add more sides, rolls, and pumpkin pies for those in need at Thanksgiving.  Since 2020, we have been able to bless 500 families with everything they need to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for a family of 8, increasing to 600 in 2024, and 1000 in 2025 during the government shutdown! We really appreciate our South Austin community and partners that make this possible.