H-E-B started off in Kerrville. Now it’s stepping up to help Texas flood victims
As floodwaters recede in parts of the Texas Hill Country, one of the state’s most beloved grocery chains is stepping in to help families pick up the pieces.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, devastating flash floods swept through Kerrville, Ingram and surrounding towns, dumping up to 12 inches of rain in a matter of hours.
The storm surge, estimated at over 100 billion gallons of water, was powerful enough to surpass the daily flow of Niagara Falls. More than 100 people were dead as of Monday afternoon, with many others still missing.
In the aftermath, H-E-B — which got its start in Kerrville more than a century ago — is mobilizing aid across the region. Here’s what to know about the company’s efforts.
What is H-E-B doing to support flood relief in Central Texas?
In a statement July 5, H-E-B called the flooding “enormous devastation” and expressed heartbreak over the lives lost. The company said it’s working closely with the Red Cross, first responders, and local officials to meet immediate needs in the area.
A caravan of H-E-B aid trucks was spotted on the road this weekend, with one Facebook user writing: “Just passed this convoy heading to help with flood relief. This is exactly why Texans love H-E-B.”
At Ingram Tom Moore High School, the company set up a mobile kitchen to serve lunch and dinner to anyone affected, no questions asked. The Ingram Independent School District also announced that H-E-B is distributing cleaning supplies including rakes, brooms, mops and disinfectants free of charge. The company is working with city and county officials to determine where to best distribute aid.
Relief efforts are also underway in nearby cities like Marble Falls and San Angelo, according to H-E-B.
Why does this area mean so much to H-E-B?
The Hill Country is more than just another service area for H-E-B — it’s where the company’s story began.
In 1905, Florence Butt opened a small grocery shop on the ground floor of her family’s home in Kerrville. Her son, Howard Edward Butt, would later take the reins and grow that business into the statewide chain Texans know today.
Even in those early years, Butt wrote about tough times and 10-cent sales, but always emphasized the responsibility to her community. Today, that legacy continues, and customers are taking notice.
“This is why I shop at H-E-B,” one Reddit user wrote in response to the company’s relief efforts. “Yes, the products are great, but more importantly, they care about the community and the people of our state.”
Another user added, “Texas is fortunate to have a home-grown business that remembers its roots.”
Where can people get help from H-E-B or support the relief efforts?
Flood victims in Ingram and surrounding areas can access hot meals and cleaning supplies at Ingram Tom Moore High School.
H-E-B has not announced a donation campaign as of publication, but the company says it is staying in close contact with impacted communities and plans to provide continued support as recovery efforts unfold.
For now, the chain’s presence on the ground and its commitment to serve is helping many Texans hold onto hope.
“We remain committed to offer unwavering support to our communities,” H-E-B’s statement said.
This story was originally published July 7, 2025 at 5:16 PM.
