H‑E‑B and chairman Charles Butt made a $1 million donation and provided support to help Texas Panhandle residents and first responders with recovery efforts concerningrelated to the ongoing wildfires in the region.
Butt made a $500,000 donation to the STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund), which aids Texas farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusiness owners impacted by natural disasters. H-E-B committed another $500,000 to support those responding to the Texas Panhandle wildfires.
Since these fires began, H-E-B has also maintained contact with the High Plains Food Bank to support its outreach, according to H-E-B. With those efforts, H-E-B has provided truckloads of product to the food bank, which include shelf-stable food, water, hygiene items, cleaning products, and other essentials.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this disaster, which has grown to become the largest wildfire event in the state’s history,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B group VP of public affairs, diversity, and environmental affairs, in a statement. “Together with our chairman and the entire H-E-B family, we will work to ensure affected communities can recover from this tragic event.”
Reports show that more than 100 active wildfires are raging across northern Texas and Oklahoma, with the Smokehouse Creek Fire becoming the largest fire on record in Texas, a blaze that has burned more than 1 million acres in the state, said H-E-B.
The retailer said that those who would like to support relief efforts can participate in the check stand donation campaign that allows customers to donate when checking out in-store at the register at H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, Mi Tienda stores, and when placing an order with Favor Delivery and on the Favor website. Additionally, customers can support relief efforts by giving to nonprofit organizations such as the High Plains Food Bank, STAR Fund, and the Spirit of Giving Fund.