The JUST Report: How One Company Is Walking The Talk After The Texas Floods
The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend have once again demonstrated a fundamental truth about companies in America: in times of heartbreak and crisis, the just ones show up.
Even as search and rescue operations continue in Kerr County and surrounding areas, we’re witnessing meaningful displays of corporate humanity at work. Several of America’s largest companies have jumped in – from Airbnb.org to Lowe’s to AT&T – as they did following the wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year and in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina last year.
One Texas-based company stands out from the pack. H-E-B grocery chain has proven that their motto “No Store Does More” is more than just a marketing tagline. With roots in Kerrville – the epicenter of the current flooding – H-E-B’s response has been both immediate and significant. And it isn’t an anomaly – it’s an extension of their everyday commitment to Texas communities. The company:
- Invests over $10 million annually in Texas education through their Excellence in Education Awards
- Operates a year-round Hunger Relief Program that’s donated over 1 billion pounds of food
- Maintains a fleet of mobile kitchens that serve 340,000+ meals annually at community events
- Has hired over 27,000 veterans through their Operation Appreciation program
When one Facebook user posted a video of H-E-B disaster relief vehicles heading toward flood zones, the comment “This is exactly why Texans love HEB!” captured a sentiment that runs deep.
The floods in central Texas are a tragedy that will require sustained support from multiple sources. But they’ve also shown that in a divided time, American businesses can help us come together.
Be well,
Martin
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