Central Texas Food Bank opens submissions for annual "Feeding Creativity" art competition

The Central Texas Food Bank is inviting K-12 students to take part in their annual "Feeding Creativity" art competition.

What we know:

Now through Tuesday, April 1, all K-12 students within CTFB's 21-county service area will have the opportunity to submit artwork to convey a uniting message of care and support for our neighbors in need on a delivery truck. 

This year's theme is "Food Unites Us: Celebrating Cultural Connections."

The 2025 panel of celebrity judges includes: 

  • Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Austin City Council Member, District 9 
  • Lucy Gross, SAGE Studio & Gallery Co-Founder + Director of External Relations 
  • Celina Zisman, City of Austin Arts Commission Chair, event chair and lead judge
  • J Muzacz, muralist and mosaic artist 
  • Constance White, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport arts manager 
  • Melissa Barrera, award-winning actress, singer and hunger advocate

Students in the following counties are eligible to submit: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Gillespie, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Limestone, Llano, McLennan, Milam, Mills, San Saba, Travis and Williamson.

What they're saying:

CTFB president and CEO Sari Vastke says she hopes this competition will shine light on such a serious issue many Central Texans deal with.

"It's really exciting the idea that, you know, something is created by Austin for Austin and, you know, we're really excited to provide the opportunity to kiddos, you know, to watch their faces come to gallery night where we display the art pieces that have been created to have their parents here. We have fun events. It's just a great feeling for kids," said Vastke.

Why you should care:

One in five children in Central Texas deal with food insecurity. As summer approaches and school meal programs pause, many families face additional challenges in accessing the food they need.

"We see families facing what we call a triple threat. They don't have reliance on free or reduced school meals. The cost of calling a home increases, childcare increases. And so we really want to help raise awareness for the fact that families struggle more during the summer than any time out of the year," said Vatske.

What's next:

Judges will announce the winner at a special gallery night in May. 

The winning artwork will then be transformed into a wrap for one of CTFB’s delivery trucks — a moving masterpiece spreading awareness across Central Texas. 

One of the Central Texas Food Bank's delivery trucks features a wrap made from a previous art contest winner.

For more information on the competition and to submit artwork, click here.

The Source: Information in this report comes from reporting by FOX 7 Austin's education reporter Jessica Rivera.

AustinCommunityLifestyleBastrop CountyBell CountyBurnet CountyCaldwell CountyFayette CountyGillespie CountyHays CountyLee CountyLlano CountyMilam CountyTravis CountyWilliamson County