Cedric Xia – Austin Chapter President

My name is Cedric Xia, and I am the founder and president of the Austin Chapter of the Food Lounge. As a senior at Westlake High School, I have a strong passion for math, computer science, and physics, which I have nurtured through participating in various competitions. Along with being an advocate of open source software, I am an enthusiastic Linux user. Beyond academics, I am an Eagle Scout candidate and enjoy canoeing, sailing, and listening to Taylor Swift. Yet out of all my experiences, volunteering with The Food Lounge has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had the chance to do.

As the founders of the Austin branch, I have had the privilege of working with the dedicated team of volunteers here at TFL to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in our community. Seeing the impact that our work has on the lives of those we serve has been truly humbling, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in my community and create a dent in the issue of hunger. Over the past year, we have worked hard to expand our impact, reaching over 100 volunteers. At The Food Lounge, we believe that access to healthy and nutritious food is a basic right, and should not be governed by socioeconomic status. Our mission is to serve meals with dignity and respect, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where our guests feel valued and cared for.

As the president of The Food Lounge Austin, I have taken on the responsibility of planning and executing events, while also ensuring that our meal services run seamlessly for both our volunteers and those we serve. Through this, I have learned invaluable skills that have helped me grow both as a leader and an individual. The passion and dedication of my fellow volunteers has taught me the power of teamwork and the importance of effective communication in achieving a shared goal. Volunteering with The Food Lounge has not only allowed me to experience the fulfillment of giving back to my community, but has also helped me develop skills that will be invaluable in my future endeavors. I hope to continue working with The Food Lounge far into the future to serve our community and combat hunger.