As devastating floods continue to impact communities across Central and South Texas, major supermarket chains are deploying resources, providing essential supplies and mobilizing financial support to assist victims and first responders. The widespread flooding, which has claimed more than 100 lives, has prompted a rapid response from the retail sector, demonstrating their critical role in disaster relief.

H-E-B, the San Antonio-based grocery giant with deep roots in the affected Kerrville area, has been at the forefront of relief efforts. The company announced Tuesday a $5 million commitment from the Butt family, H-E-B, and the H.E. Butt Foundation to support recovery efforts. This includes a $2 million gift to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. 

Beyond financial contributions, H-E-B has deployed mobile kitchens to hard-hit areas like Ingram, providing hot meals to displaced residents and emergency personnel. The grocer is also distributing free recovery kits containing water, snacks, first aid supplies, cleaning materials and gift cards in numerous impacted communities, including San Angelo, Marble Falls, Burnet, Leander and Liberty Hill. Customers at H-E-B stores across Texas can also contribute to relief efforts by adding donations to their grocery bills at checkout. 

Other major retailers are also stepping up. Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation have pledged up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations. This includes a matching program for customer and member donations made online or in stores and clubs across Texas, benefiting the Salvation Army. Walmart is also partnering with nonprofits to provide hot meals, laundry services and showers, and has distributed food, water and other critical supplies.

United Supermarkets, operating 99 locations, launched a donation campaign at its stores, allowing customers to add any dollar amount to their grocery bill at checkout, with proceeds supporting the San Angelo Area Foundation and Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. The Lubbock-based grocer has also made a $10,000 corporate donation.

Even companies outside the immediate operational areas are contributing. Publix Super Markets Charities announced a $300,000 donation to the San Angelo Disaster Relief Fund and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, recognizing the severe impact of the floods despite being outside Publix’s direct service area. 

Convenience store chains like Yesway, TXB and Refuel are also participating, initiating fundraising campaigns and pledging donations to local relief funds. Yesway, for example, committed a $100,000 donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and is encouraging in-store customer donations. 

These swift actions by supermarkets highlight their vital role in providing immediate aid and supporting long-term recovery in the aftermath of natural disasters, often leveraging their existing supply chains and community presence to deliver critical assistance.

Sources:

KENS5, H-E-B Newsroom

Mass Market Retailers, CSP Daily News

Business Wire, Morningstar

Odessa American, CSP Daily News

Walmart Corporate News

THV11

SupermarketNews.com

KENS5

H-E-B Newsroom

The Texas Tribune