Former Austinite Sandra Bullock Donates $250k To Area Food Bank

AUSTIN, TX — Actress, restaurateur and former Austin resident Sandra Bullock this week donated $250,000 to the Central Texas Food Bank on behalf of the women starring in the 2018 action-comedy film "Ocean's 8."

The Austin-based food bank has worked to distribute food and water to residents affected by the polar vortex that knocked out power and water service to thousands of area residents.

Now, thanks to the donation, it will be able to provide another million meals across Central Texas, the food bank said on social media.

Bullock and her "Ocean's 8" co-stars — including the likes of Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling and more — aren't the only household names responding to the cold weather crisis.

Eater Austin reports Kacey Musgraves, Reese Witherspoon, Chrissy Teigen and Matthew McConaughey all participated in fundraisers benefiting Texas charities. Meanwhile, celebrities like Brooklyn Decker, Andy Roddick, Michael Huff and Diplo purchased hot meals from area restaurants to donate back to hungry Austinites.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a U.S. House Representative from New York, also hosted a fundraiser that brought in some $5 million to be donated to relief organizations across Texas.

While power and water service have been restored across most of Austin, many residents continue to struggle with plumbing issues and spoiled food. The City of Austin, Central Texas Food Bank, United Way ATX and others continue working to distribute food and drinkable water across the city.

From drive-thru distribution events to hot meals from charitable organizations, Austinites have several options when it comes to finding food and water. Click here for a list of ongoing food and water distribution events around the city. Patch's list is updated daily.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimated that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans would not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.