H-E-B, a leading Texas-based grocery chain, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fighting hunger across the Lone Star State. For decades, the company has partnered with food banks and non-profit organizations to provide essential nutrition to those in need.
Since 1982, H-E-B’s Hunger Relief program has donated over one billion pounds of food to 5,500 non-profit organizations in Texas and Mexico. This staggering figure underscores the magnitude of H-E-B’s efforts to combat food insecurity in the region. In 2020 alone, the program donated 41 million pounds of food to food banks, a 35% increase from the previous year in response to the heightened needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company’s dedication to hunger relief extends beyond food donations. H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt recently made a personal contribution of $20 million to support Texas food banks, further bolstering the resources available to tackle food insecurity. This generous donation builds upon H-E-B’s long-standing tradition of addressing hunger, a cause the company has championed since opening its first store in 1905.
H-E-B’s Role in Alleviating Food Insecurity in Texas
H-E-B has been a cornerstone in combating food insecurity across Texas for over a century. The company’s commitment to hunger relief dates back to its founding in 1905.
Through its Hunger Relief Program, H-E-B has made significant contributions to addressing food shortages in local communities. The program has donated over 1 billion pounds of food since its inception in 1982.
In 2024 alone, H-E-B provided more than 33 million pounds of food to families in need. This equates to approximately 25 million meals distributed throughout Texas.
The company partners with over 5,500 non-profit organizations in Texas and Mexico to ensure wide-reaching impact. These collaborations help H-E-B efficiently distribute resources to areas most affected by food insecurity.
H-E-B’s efforts extend beyond food donations. The company’s chairman, Charles Butt, recently pledged $20 million to support Texas food banks. This substantial contribution aims to bolster the state’s hunger relief infrastructure.
During times of crisis, H-E-B intensifies its support. For instance, the company increased its assistance to Texas food banks by donating more than 300 truckloads of food during recent challenging periods.
H-E-B’s Food Bank Assistance Program works year-round to raise awareness about hunger issues. It also coordinates efforts to provide immediate relief to communities experiencing food shortages.
Partnerships and Collaborations
H-E-B has forged strong alliances with food banks and hunger relief organizations across Texas and beyond. These partnerships enable H-E-B to maximize its impact in addressing food insecurity and supporting communities in need.
Feeding Texas and H-E-B Collaboration
H-E-B works closely with Feeding Texas, the state’s largest hunger-relief organization. This partnership focuses on coordinating efforts to distribute food and resources efficiently across Texas. H-E-B provides regular donations of food and funds to Feeding Texas, supporting its network of 21 food banks. The collaboration also includes joint initiatives for disaster relief, ensuring rapid response during crises. H-E-B and Feeding Texas collaborate on advocacy efforts, raising awareness about hunger issues and promoting policy changes to address food insecurity.
Relationship with Feeding America Food Banks
H-E-B maintains strong ties with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. This partnership extends H-E-B’s reach beyond Texas, contributing to nationwide hunger relief efforts. H-E-B participates in Feeding America’s retail donation program, providing surplus food to local food banks. The company also supports Feeding America’s research and innovation projects aimed at finding long-term solutions to hunger.
Bonds with Texas Food Bank Network
H-E-B has established deep connections with the Texas Food Bank Network, which includes regional food banks across the state. This partnership enables targeted support for specific communities. H-E-B organizes regular food drives in its stores, encouraging customer participation in hunger relief efforts. The company also provides logistical support, using its distribution network to help food banks reach underserved areas. H-E-B employees often volunteer at local food banks, strengthening community ties.
Cooperation with Mexican Association of Food Banks
H-E-B’s commitment to hunger relief extends across the border through its partnership with the Mexican Association of Food Banks. This collaboration focuses on addressing food insecurity in Mexican communities near the Texas border. H-E-B donates food and supplies to Mexican food banks, leveraging its presence in both countries. The partnership includes knowledge-sharing initiatives, helping to improve food distribution systems in Mexico. H-E-B also supports cross-border hunger relief programs, fostering international cooperation in the fight against hunger.
Major Contributions and Programs
H-E-B has implemented several initiatives to combat hunger and support communities in Texas. These programs focus on food donations, disaster relief, hunger prevention, and nutrition education.
H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing Initiative
The Feast of Sharing is an annual holiday tradition organized by H-E-B. This program serves free holiday meals to thousands of people across Texas and Mexico. The initiative brings communities together during the holiday season, offering not just food but also entertainment and activities for attendees.
H-E-B partners with local organizations to host these events in various cities. Volunteers from H-E-B and the community help serve meals and manage activities. The Feast of Sharing exemplifies H-E-B’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
Disaster Relief Efforts
H-E-B’s disaster relief program mobilizes quickly during crises. The company deploys its Mobile Kitchens and Disaster Relief Units to affected areas, providing hot meals, supplies, and support to communities in need.
These efforts have been crucial during hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. H-E-B’s disaster response teams work closely with local officials and relief organizations to distribute food, water, and essential items to those impacted.
The company also makes monetary donations to support long-term recovery efforts in affected regions.
H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program
The H-E-B Hunger Relief Program is a cornerstone of the company’s philanthropic efforts. Since 1982, this program has donated over one billion pounds of food to 5,500 non-profit organizations in Texas and Mexico.
In 2020, the program donated 41 million pounds of food to food banks, a 35% increase from the previous year. This significant boost was in response to increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
H-E-B’s Chairman, Charles Butt, made a personal donation of $20 million to support Texas food banks in 2023. This contribution further strengthened the company’s commitment to hunger relief.
Nutrition Education Contributions
H-E-B supports nutrition education through various initiatives. The company partners with schools and community organizations to promote healthy eating habits and food literacy.
These programs include cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and educational materials distributed in stores and schools. H-E-B’s registered dietitians create content and lead sessions to help customers make informed food choices.
The company also supports community gardens and farm-to-table initiatives, encouraging sustainable food practices and connecting people with fresh, local produce.
Community Involvement and Events
H-E-B actively engages with Texas communities through various initiatives and programs. The company organizes and supports local events while also deploying mobile kitchens to assist during times of need.
Support for Community Events
H-E-B sponsors numerous community events across Texas. The annual Feast of Sharing dinners serve as a cornerstone of these efforts. These free holiday meals bring together thousands of people in multiple cities.
The company also supports local food banks through its “Help End Hunger” campaign. This initiative allows customers to donate at checkout, directly benefiting their area’s food assistance programs.
H-E-B partners with schools and non-profits to host food drives and fundraisers. These collaborations help stock food pantries and provide meals to those in need.
Operation of Mobile Kitchens
H-E-B deploys mobile kitchens to support communities during emergencies and natural disasters. These fully equipped units can serve up to 2,500 meals per hour.
The mobile kitchens assist in various scenarios:
- Disaster relief efforts
- Community celebrations
- Large-scale volunteer events
H-E-B’s Disaster Relief Team coordinates these deployments. They work closely with local officials and first responders to determine where assistance is most needed.
The mobile units also participate in the Feast of Sharing events. This allows H-E-B to extend its reach and serve more people during the holiday season.
Impact and Expansion of Hunger Relief Efforts
H-E-B’s hunger relief initiatives have made significant strides in addressing food insecurity across Texas and beyond. The company’s efforts have touched countless lives through local community support, regional food bank partnerships, and global outreach programs.
Local Impact on Texas Communities
H-E-B’s commitment to fighting hunger has directly benefited numerous Texas communities. The San Antonio Food Bank, a major recipient of H-E-B’s support, has seen a substantial increase in its ability to serve local families in need.
In 2024, H-E-B’s donations enabled the food bank to distribute over 500,000 meals to San Antonio residents. The Brazos Valley Food Bank also received crucial assistance, allowing it to expand its mobile pantry program to reach rural areas.
The Montgomery County Food Bank partnered with H-E-B to launch a new initiative targeting child hunger. This program provided weekend meal kits to over 10,000 schoolchildren in 2024.
Support for Regional Food Banks
H-E-B’s impact extends across Texas through its support of regional food banks. The company’s Hunger Relief program has been instrumental in strengthening the state’s food distribution network.
In 2024, H-E-B donated 35 million pounds of food to Texas food banks, a 6% increase from the previous year. This contribution helped stock shelves at over 3,000 food pantries statewide.
H-E-B also provided funding for new refrigeration units at 15 regional food banks, enhancing their capacity to store and distribute fresh produce and perishable items.
Expansion to Support Undernourished People Globally
H-E-B has expanded its hunger relief efforts beyond Texas borders. The company joined the Global Food Banking Network in 2023, contributing to international hunger alleviation initiatives.
Through this partnership, H-E-B supported the establishment of food banks in three developing countries. These new facilities now serve over 100,000 undernourished individuals annually.
H-E-B also launched a program to share best practices in food distribution and inventory management with emerging food banks worldwide. This knowledge transfer has improved efficiency and reduced food waste in partner organizations across 12 countries.
Ongoing Commitment to Hunger Relief
H-E-B’s dedication to hunger relief spans over a century, dating back to the company’s founding in 1905. The H-E-B Hunger Relief Program stands as a cornerstone of this commitment, distributing food to those in need across Texas.
In 2020, the program donated 41 million pounds of food to food banks, a 35% increase from previous years. This surge in donations helped meet the heightened needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
H-E-B’s efforts extend beyond food donations:
- Partnerships with 5,500 non-profit organizations
- Deployment of H-E-B Mobile Kitchens during disasters
- Support for local food banks, including the Houston Food Bank
The company’s long-term impact is evident in the total food donations since 1982:
| Year | Total Food Donations |
|---|---|
| 1982-2025 | Over 1 billion pounds |
Charles Butt, H-E-B’s chairman, recently made a personal donation of $20 million to support Texas food banks. This contribution underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to addressing hunger in communities across the state.
H-E-B continues to innovate in its approach to hunger relief, adapting to changing needs and circumstances. The company’s efforts remain a vital support system for families facing food insecurity in Texas.