H-E-B, a Texas-based grocery chain, has deep roots in supporting local communities across the Lone Star State. Since its founding in 1905, the company has made giving back a core part of its mission and values.
H-E-B’s commitment to Texas communities goes far beyond simply selling groceries. The company engages in a wide range of initiatives and programs designed to strengthen local areas, support education, assist during disasters, and promote economic development throughout Texas. These efforts have made H-E-B a respected corporate citizen and valued partner in hundreds of communities across the state.
1) HEB Community Investment Program
HEB’s Community Investment Program provides vital support to nonprofit organizations within the company’s service area. This initiative aims to create a visible and positive impact on local communities.
The program offers assistance in various forms, including cash grants, gift cards, product donations, and volunteer support. HEB tailors its contributions based on the specific needs of approved organizations.
Nonprofits operating in HEB’s marketing area can apply for support through this program. The company prioritizes projects and activities that demonstrate tangible benefits to the community.
HEB’s commitment to community investment extends beyond monetary contributions. The program reflects the company’s dedication to fostering stronger, more vibrant Texas communities.
By supporting local initiatives, HEB strengthens its ties with the communities it serves. This program exemplifies the company’s philosophy of giving back to the areas that support its business.
2) HEB Excellence in Education Awards
H-E-B demonstrates its commitment to Texas communities through the Excellence in Education Awards program. This initiative recognizes outstanding educators across the state for their dedication and impact on students’ lives.
The program honors various education professionals, including teachers, principals, and school districts. It provides substantial cash prizes to reward exceptional work in public education.
Nominations for the awards open annually, with the 2025 cycle closing on October 7, 2024. Any Texas public school professional is eligible for nomination, allowing communities to highlight their local education heroes.
Since its inception in 2002, the Excellence in Education Awards have become a significant event in Texas’ educational landscape. The program has awarded millions of dollars to deserving educators and institutions over the years.
H-E-B’s recognition of educational excellence extends beyond individual awards. The company also acknowledges outstanding school boards and early childhood centers, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and early education.
This initiative reflects H-E-B’s broader commitment to supporting and improving education in Texas communities. By celebrating and rewarding exceptional educators, H-E-B contributes to the ongoing development of Texas’ public education system.
3) HEB Environmental Initiatives
HEB demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through various initiatives across Texas. The company actively supports organizations such as Keep Texas Beautiful, The Nature Conservancy, and Audubon Texas.
In 2020, HEB donated over 43.5 million pounds of food to food banks in Texas and Mexico, reducing food waste and supporting communities in need. This effort provided millions of meals to those facing food insecurity.
The company is expanding its recycling efforts. In Floresville, HEB partnered with Keep Texas Beautiful to fund a community recycling drop-off center. Set to fully open in April 2025, the center will accept cardboard, PET plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.
HEB also focuses on educating the next generation about environmental stewardship. The company invests $10 million annually to support Texas children and educators, helping to build a greener and cleaner future for the state.
Through these initiatives, HEB showcases its dedication to preserving Texas’ natural resources and fostering sustainable practices within local communities.
4) HEBuddy Kid’s Challenge
H-E-B’s commitment to Texas communities extends to engaging children through the HEBuddy Kid’s Challenge. This initiative aims to promote healthy habits and environmental awareness among young Texans.
The challenge encourages kids to participate in activities that benefit their communities and the environment. Children learn about recycling, conservation, and making eco-friendly choices through interactive games and educational materials.
H-E-B offers special HEBuddy products to support this program, including Graham Crackers in various flavors. These affordable items make it easy for children to embrace the good habits promoted by HEBuddy.
The program aligns with H-E-B’s broader goal of investing in Texas’ future generations. By educating children about sustainability and community involvement, H-E-B helps cultivate responsible citizens.
Through the HEBuddy Kid’s Challenge, H-E-B contributes to building a greener, cleaner Texas. The company recognizes that empowering young people is crucial for maintaining a strong and vibrant state.
5) HEBuddy statewide nutrition education
H-E-B’s commitment to community health extends beyond its store aisles through the HEBuddy statewide nutrition education program. This initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits and proper nutrition across Texas.
The program features engaging cooking demonstrations that showcase nutritious meal preparation using affordable ingredients available at H-E-B stores. These demonstrations provide practical tips for incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into daily diets.
HEBuddy also organizes recreational activities to encourage physical fitness alongside healthy eating. These events often take place in local parks or community centers, making them accessible to families throughout Texas.
Partnering with schools, HEBuddy brings nutrition education directly to children. Interactive lessons teach students about balanced meals, smart snacking, and the importance of staying hydrated.
The program aligns with Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s efforts to improve community health. By focusing on nutrition education, HEBuddy contributes to the broader goal of creating healthier communities across the state.
6) HEB’s Feast of Sharing events
HEB’s Feast of Sharing is a long-standing tradition that brings communities together during the holiday season. This annual event serves over 340,000 meals across 34 dinners throughout Texas and Mexico.
The festive gatherings offer free holiday feasts open to the public. Attendees enjoy food, music, and good cheer while connecting with family, friends, and neighbors.
Launched in 1989, the Feast of Sharing demonstrates HEB’s commitment to giving back to its loyal customers. The company organizes these events as a way to express gratitude and support local communities.
HEB’s dedication to fighting hunger extends beyond these annual dinners. The company has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to 5,500 non-profit organizations in Texas and Mexico.
The Feast of Sharing events have become an important part of HEB’s community outreach efforts. They provide a valuable opportunity for the company to directly engage with and support the communities it serves.
7) HEB’s support for Texas food banks
H-E-B has a long-standing commitment to fighting hunger in Texas communities. The grocery chain regularly donates food and funds to food banks across the state.
Since 1982, H-E-B has donated over 1 billion pounds of food to 5,500 non-profit organizations. This substantial contribution has made a significant impact on hunger relief efforts throughout Texas.
The company’s support intensified during the COVID-19 crisis. H-E-B donated more than 300 truckloads of food to Texas food banks, equating to 7.5 million pounds or 6.2 million meals.
H-E-B’s “Help End Hunger” campaign, launched in 1990, allows customers to contribute to local food banks at checkout. This initiative has helped thousands of children, elderly, and families in need throughout Texas and Mexico.
The San Antonio Food Bank, a major beneficiary of H-E-B’s support, saw a notable increase in its capacity to serve local families. In 2024, H-E-B’s donations enabled the food bank to distribute over 500,000 meals to San Antonio residents.
8) HEB Operation Appreciation for military support
HEB’s Operation Appreciation demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families in Texas. Launched in 2013, this initiative has provided over $12 million in assistance to military-based nonprofits across the state.
The program focuses on various areas of support, including employment opportunities for veterans and their families. HEB actively works to create job prospects within the company for those who have served in the military.
Operation Appreciation also contributes to efforts providing mortgage-free homes to severely wounded veterans. Through partnerships with organizations like Homes Built for Heroes, HEB has helped gift 40 homes to deserving veterans.
Throughout the year, HEB collaborates with the USO to host special events in stores and on military bases in Texas. These events aim to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of military personnel and their families.
The company’s commitment extends to its customers, offering them opportunities to participate in donation campaigns. These initiatives allow Texans to contribute directly to supporting military-related causes through their local HEB stores.
HEB’s Role in Strengthening Texas Agriculture
HEB plays a significant part in bolstering Texas agriculture through strategic partnerships and sustainable practices. The company’s initiatives support local farmers and promote environmentally responsible sourcing.
Partnerships with Local Farmers
HEB’s Texas Roots program collaborates with over 35 Texan cities and counties, sourcing more than 100 local produce items and 40 floral products. This farm-to-store approach directly benefits Texas communities and reduces transportation needs.
The company works closely with small and medium-sized farms across the state. HEB provides these farmers with consistent demand for their crops, helping to stabilize their businesses.
HEB also offers technical assistance and resources to help local farmers improve their yields and adopt sustainable farming practices. This support enhances the quality and quantity of locally-grown produce available to Texas consumers.
Sustainable Sourcing Practices
HEB prioritizes environmentally responsible sourcing methods. The company’s in-state sourcing strategy typically requires less transportation and refrigeration compared to long-distance shipping, reducing its carbon footprint.
HEB implements strict quality control measures to ensure the produce meets high standards. This commitment to quality encourages farmers to adopt best practices in cultivation and harvesting.
The company actively supports organic farming initiatives in Texas. HEB works with local farmers to expand organic offerings, meeting growing consumer demand for pesticide-free produce.
HEB’s sustainable sourcing extends beyond produce. The company also partners with Texas ranchers and fisheries to provide locally-sourced meat and seafood options to customers.
Community Engagement and Support
H-E-B demonstrates its commitment to Texas communities through various initiatives focused on education and disaster relief. These efforts aim to strengthen local areas and provide support during challenging times.
Educational Initiatives
H-E-B’s Excellence in Education Awards program recognizes outstanding Texas educators. Since 2002, this initiative has honored teachers and administrators who go above and beyond for their students.
The program provides monetary rewards to exceptional educators and schools. These funds support innovative projects and educational advancements in local communities.
H-E-B also partners with schools to promote literacy and provide resources for students. The company donates books and school supplies to underserved areas, helping to ensure all children have access to educational materials.
Disaster Relief Efforts
When natural disasters strike Texas communities, H-E-B responds swiftly with aid. The company deploys its Mobile Kitchen units to affected areas, providing hot meals to residents and first responders.
H-E-B’s disaster relief efforts extend beyond food distribution. The company donates essential supplies like water, hygiene products, and cleaning materials to those impacted by hurricanes, floods, or other emergencies.
In addition to immediate relief, H-E-B contributes to long-term recovery efforts. The company partners with local organizations to rebuild infrastructure and restore community services in the aftermath of disasters.