Volunteer Spotlight- Ric Arredondo

8/25/25- Ric Arredondo poses in front of a car full of food before Keep Austin Fed's Monday community giveaway benefitting Plan CTX and Project Transitions.

Although every Keep Austin Fed volunteer is passionate about giving back to their community, Ric Arredondo feels especially connected to the issue of food access. Ric first discovered Keep Austin Fed in 2024 while looking for a place to volunteer; he chose Keep Austin Fed for the opportunity to give back to the same organizations that had previously helped his family.

“Once I saw this [opportunity,] it was actually certain locations where my family had gone to pick up food. And it’s perfect to be honest; I can fit it in on the go, and I can spend time with my mom and my aunt,” said Ric. “And remember when we were the ones on the other side.”

October 2025- Ric Arredondo poses for a picture alongside his mom and aunt.

Since becoming a volunteer, Ric has included his mom and aunt on all his rescues. With his mom and aunt now retired, Ric says rescuing food together has helped his family members stay active and has strengthened their bond. “It’s good family time,” said Ric. “I have a small family, and this is time that you can always offer to spend with them.”

For Ric and his family, rescuing food has also been a source of culinary inspiration. “There are a lot of other recipes, other foods that we haven’t ever implemented into our own cooking,” said Ric. “I cook a lot at home, so it’s always a nice addition to have some advice from people or see other kinds of food.”

Since becoming a volunteer in July 2024, Ric has completed over 125 food rescues. Although he looks forward to new rescues and learning about different community organizations, Ric’s favorite stop is always the Sprouts Farmers Market on South Lamar. Over time, he and his family members have formed relationships with the Sprouts staff members and enjoy connecting with them during their visits.

In addition to fostering relationships with the community and spending time with his family, Ric enjoys volunteering with Keep Austin Fed because it provides him with the opportunity to help others access the same assistance he once received. “I can relate because I remember being on the other side. And sometimes you can be shy or embarrassed. But to be honest in the world we live in today and how much food is just thrown away… there’s enough out there to go around,” said Ric. “And me personally, it just warms my heart to have the time and energy to be there not just with the people that need it but with my family also.”