HopeAustin has the goal of keeping all Central Texas students’ food secure, and Vandegrift football is helping fulfill that goal. 

“Student leaders making a difference in the lives of fellow students was on full display with members of the Viper football team,” shared Monica von Waaden, HopeAustin founder and executive director. “In a short 90 minutes, 1,567 meal kits were assembled for students who rely upon us.”

“We had 20 players join Coach Willingham and Coach Bankston (on August 9) at HopeAustin, working hard to build and box 1,567 meal kits for local area students in need,” shared David Foote, Viper football dad and volunteer. 

“It truly takes a community to feed our students, and we rely upon community leaders to assist in placing food directly into the hands of local students,” von Waaden said.

HopeAustin, located at 10401 Anderson Mill Rd., feeds more than 5,300 students each week through eight distinct nutritional programs. In Leander ISD, it partners with 33 campuses providing nutritional support to over 1,200 students per week. In Four Points, it provides assistance to all campuses: Vandegrift, Four Points and Canyon Ridge middle schools, River Place, Steiner Ranch, Laura W. Bush, and Grandview elementary schools. 

The Viper football team will also be participating in the 2025 Peanut Butter Bowl, an event bringing together Texas high school football and feeding students in need.

“We are honored to partner with the Vandegrift football team, providing direct service to students who depend on our combined efforts,” said van Waaden.