Joshua and Xavier Olabarrieta, the co-owners of Coffee Box in Kyle, have reshaped the way they do business by giving food to those who need it the most, an act of compassion brought by the coronavirus pandemic but intended to be implemented beyond it.

“Even when the monetary profit is not there, something bigger is: the profit of compassion and coming together as a community, of still making those who come to my little food truck smile,” Joshua said.

Coffee Box, a food truck specializing in coffee and other food items, was one of the many local businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but Joshua said he was worried more about the food insecurity the outbreak had caused in the community than his profits and decided to give free meals to those who needed them most.

The free meal offered at the food truck, also known as the "brown bag special," is the latest addition to the menu. It comes with a ham and cheese sandwich, a bag of chips, a side of fruit and a water bottle.

Though the community is encouraged to come as often as they need to, the brown bag special is limited to one bag per person per day. All those in need of a free meal just need to ask for a brown bag special at the register, and no additional questions will be asked.

As the coronavirus crept into Hays County, Coffee Box started offering free meals. An average of 25 to 30 meals are given out weekly since the program started, according to Joshua.

“Putting aside the struggles this virus has put on us and our business, we are reminded that we are still fortunate to be alive, so why not help those who are less fortunate,” Joshua said when explaining why he wanted to help his community.

The brown bag special is a menu item Joshua intends to have beyond the coronavirus pandemic. He said he wants to start advertising the free meals now so people know they will be available after the outbreak.

“If someone comes back to me in two years and says that they’re hungry and can’t afford to eat, I would make it a point to feed them,” Joshua said. “If we’re able to, I don’t think [the brown bag special] needs to end. When the pandemic ends, people out there are still going to be hungry for different reasons, so I would prefer for it not to end period.”