Over the Fourth of July weekend, areas of Central Texas were impacted by sudden, catastrophic flash floods that resulted in widespread destruction and more than 110 deaths. Grocers are playing a critical role in helping with relief efforts, using their extensive networks, logistical capabilities and community ties to provide aid.
Here’s a breakdown of how they are helping:
H-E-B
The Butt family, H-E-B and the H.E. Butt Foundation have committed $5 million in funding to nonprofits providing aid and recovery support to communities most in need. In addition, H-E-B is providing on-the-ground meals, volunteers, product and support to impacted areas.
Among this giving, $2 million will be gifted to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to support its Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Established in the wake of the recent disaster, the fund supports organizations providing rescue, relief and recovery efforts, as well as flood assistance to the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort.
H-E-B also committed gifts to multiple nonprofits that are providing direct support including the American Red Cross, Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) and the Salvation Army. Additionally, the retailer is distributing gift cards throughout impacted communities and to nonprofits such as the United Way of Concho Valley in San Angelo and school districts including Ingram ISD.
In the days following the major flooding, H-E-B deployed its mobile kitchen to Ingram and distributed additional provisions including cleaning supplies and gift cards to support areas such as Center Point and Hunt. Employee volunteers from across the company are also serving other hard-hit communities throughout the state. Groups of employees are providing meals, gift cards, food, water and cleaning materials in flood-affected areas of Burnet, Georgetown, Leander, Liberty Hill, Marble Falls and San Angelo.
Additionally, H-E-B launched its check stand donation campaign which allows customers to donate at checkout when shopping in-store and online. All funds collected will be distributed to nonprofits supporting victims in impacted counties. To back the effort, Favor Delivery, which committed funds to the donation campaign, is also accepting donations on its platform when customers place delivery orders.
The company shared in a press release that “our H-E-B family is heartbroken by the enormous devastation and loss caused by the flooding in and around the Kerrville area. We are grateful to local authorities, first responders and volunteers for their tireless efforts. Kerrville, where our company was started, and the Hill Country have a special place in the heart of our H-E-B family … Our teams are staying close to the hardest-hit areas, and we will continue to provide needed support as these tragic situations evolve.”
For updates and new developments on H-E-B’s assistance, click here.
Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers is collecting donations at all of its 25 Texas locations to support the American Red Cross and its efforts to aid communities affected by the recent flooding in Central Texas.
“Natural Grocers considers our customers and community members family. When disaster strikes, we believe in showing up with compassion and action,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing for Natural Grocers.
“This campaign is about standing with our neighbors during an incredibly difficult time. We’re grateful to our local good4u crew for recognizing the need and helping us act quickly to support relief efforts.”
For more information on flood relief with the American Red Cross, click here.
Publix Super Markets
Publix Super Market Charities is donating $300,000 to the San Angelo Disaster Relief Fund and Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to help support relief.
“We extend our sympathies to the families that have been devastated by the loss of life and damage caused by the recent flash floods in Texas,” said Publix Charities Executive Director John Doran. “While the devastation is outside Publix’s operating area, we are very familiar with how natural disasters can affect a community and feel compelled to help.”
PSMC’s donation will help community foundations working with local organizations that are providing support for those impacted and contributing to long-term recovery efforts in the region.
The United Family
The United Family has launched a company-wide register campaign for flood relief, with all proceeds going to support the efforts of the San Angelo Area Foundation and Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the “Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.”
In addition to running the campaign across all Texas and New Mexico locations, The United Family made a lead gift of $10,000.
“We continue to pray for all of our fellow Texans who these floods have impacted, especially the families who have lost loved ones,” said Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family.
“Words cannot adequately describe the devastation we are seeing from this event. If guests want to help, they can donate at our registers at check-out. The funds will go to organizations on the ground helping with relief efforts.”
The campaign schedule by location is as follows:
- Lubbock, Slaton, Abilene, DFW and Wichita Falls stores – July 8-13
- All other Texas Stores – July 8-20
- All New Mexico Stores – July 8-20
These locations include all United Supermarkets, Albertsons Market, Market Street and Amigos locations.
As with past donate-at-the-register campaigns, guests across the region can add any dollar amount to their grocery bills at check-out. Online shoppers also will be able to do so via the app or website.
Walmart
Walmart, along with Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation, is committing up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to support relief efforts.
This includes up to a $250,000 match of customer and member donations that soon can be made online or in-stores and clubs in Texas, through the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign.
Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation also have been working with nonprofits to provide essential resources, including:
- At the Walmart Supercenter in Kerrville (Store No. 508), Operation Barbecue Relief is offering free hot meals at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Tides Loads of Hope laundry trucks and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble and Walmart will be deployed to the area.
- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided local partners, including the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, with food, water and other supplies.
“We are heartbroken by the devastation our associates, friends and neighbors in Texas are facing, especially the families of those who have lost loved ones,” said John Furner, president and CEO, Walmart U.S. “We’re working hand-in-hand with local leaders and first responders to ensure help reaches those who need it most.”
For more information on how Walmart is helping disaster relief efforts, click here.
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