Community Ambassador: Bruce Smith

From IT to Impact: How one of our team members found purpose in food rescue

For some, a career in IT might seem worlds away from the hands-on work of food rescue. But for one Amplify team member, the two are deeply connected by a shared purpose: making a difference.

With 40 years of experience in IT and Information Security, and a career spanning over 10 financial institutions, Bruce Smith has seen it all. But it wasn’t just the job that brought them to Amplify—it was a personal connection. “Charlotte Morrison, who I’ve known for over 30 years, asked me to move to Austin and become Amplify’s Information Security Officer,” he explains. “What inspires me to stay, though, is the wholly unique and human culture I found here, especially the commitment to serving the Austin community.”

That commitment to community is what fuels Bruce’s passion for volunteering, particularly with Keep Austin Fed, a food rescue organization he’s been involved with for over five years.

“I caught the volunteer bug years ago, working in food rescue and shelter kitchens back in Maryland.”

Bruce continues, “When I moved to Austin, I sought out a similar organization and was lucky to find Keep Austin Fed. I was able to hit the ground running because I already knew the ropes.”

Rescuing Food, Restoring Hope

Food rescue is a simple yet powerful concept: taking surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, and corporate kitchens and delivering it to food pantries that serve those in need. Bruce explains, “We waste so much food individually, so imagine the amount a Trader Joe’s or HEB would throw away when they can’t keep it on the shelf.”

“This year alone, I’ve rescued about 10,000 pounds of food, mostly from HEB, for a food pantry downtown just off campus.”

For Bruce, the work is personal. “My regular runs have me in downtown Austin between 6 and 6:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. The traffic is a dream, and it’s a peaceful way to start the day,” they say. One of his favorite memories? Picking up leftover catering from the roadie encampment at ACL in 2023. “It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the festival, and for an oldster like me, probably as close as I’ll get to going to ACL.”

But the impact of food rescue goes beyond the pounds of food delivered. “A great thing happens when you volunteer: you get exposed to other organizations and volunteers. Not only do you meet the best folks in the world, but you also find opportunities you didn’t know existed. My extra work at shelter kitchens and food pantries all came from my time delivering food there.”

Volunteering with Heart

When asked what advice he’d give to someone looking to get involved, Bruce’s answer is simple: “Find something that fits your personality and available commitment. For me, food rescue works because it’s primarily a solo endeavor, and that suits me just fine. But mostly, don’t just volunteer to volunteer. Find an organization and a need that touches your heart and serve with your heart.”

He also emphasizes the importance of getting hands-on. “Serving on boards is great and much needed but being in front of those you’re helping is so much better. Don’t hesitate, sign up and try it out. Quite often, one volunteer service will lead to others you might not know existed.”

Why Amplify?

 “Other places I’ve worked use volunteering as marketing and corporate photo ops. Amplify means it,” he says. “There is always need and always friends that need our help. Everyone can help, and having a company that is committed to giving you the time to serve should always be in your mind when choosing an employer or credit union.”

At Amplify, the culture of giving back isn’t just encouraged—it’s celebrated. And for Bruce, it’s a reminder that even small acts of service can make a big impact. “You’ll meet some of the best people in the world volunteering,” he concludes. “And you’ll find that the work you do, no matter how small, truly matters.”