HEB announces $5M donation to Feeding Texas, $1M to Meals on Wheels

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas grocer HEB announced Friday afternoon that it would commit to donating $6 million to food insecurity relief in Central Texas.

The announcement comes during the ongoing government shutdown, which has seen federal workers turn to nonprofit food pantries for help and could soon see a pause in SNAP benefits.

Most of that donation, $5 million, will go into the Feeding Texas network. The remainder will be gifted to Meals on Wheels Texas.

Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole said in the announcement that the donation is happening at a "critical moment," and called HEB "a committed partner in the fight against hunger."

“Across the state, families are facing mounting challenges, and this support will make an immediate and meaningful difference. We are deeply grateful to H-E-B for standing with our communities and helping ensure that no Texan goes hungry," she said.

Central Texas Food Bank is part of the Feeding Texas network. It saw a loss of $5.5 million in federal funds earlier this year.

Meals on Wheels Texas also thanked HEB for the donation, and Board President Olivia Burdick said that it helps the organization continue its work "in these challenging times."

“H-E-B’s generosity not only provides nourishing meals but also delivers hope, connection, and compassion to those who need it most. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and for the meaningful difference you make every day in the lives of aging Texans," said Burdick in the release.

According to HEB, the grocer's Hunger Relief program donated 35 million pounds of food in 2024, and more than 1.5 billion pounds since 1982. It also said that HEB customers donated just under $1 million during the company's "Help End Hunger" donation campaign.

“At H-E-B, we are passionate about taking care of Texans,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B senior vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs. “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with these incredible organizations that work year-round to support those in need.”