In a powerful display of unity and resilience, over 50 of Houston's most prominent business and civic leaders gathered at City Hall's Legacy Room last Friday. The occasion? To celebrate and amplify the "Fill the Fridge" initiative—a crucial relief effort aimed at helping Houston families recover from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum stood before the packed room, her voice resonating with hope and gratitude as she announced a significant donation from Union Pacific Railroad. The company, with deep roots in the Houston community and a workforce of 1,600 local employees, stepped up with a generous $75,000 contribution in the form of Kroger gift cards. This much-needed assistance will directly benefit 1,000 Houston families who lost perishable food during the power outages that followed the storm.

“Hurricane Beryl tested our community, but it also revealed our true strength and spirit,” Mayor Pro-Tem Castex-Tatum remarked. “Thanks to Union Pacific, Kroger, and Bread of Life, we can ensure that our neighbors have the means to restock their fridges and get back on their feet.”

 

Hurricane Beryl, which left over 2 million residents without power, forced many to discard spoiled food—often for the second or third time this summer. For those already burdened with the costs of hotel stays, hot meals, and home repairs, the prospect of refilling an empty fridge felt overwhelming.

But as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Jourdan Scruggs, Kroger's Communications Manager, echoed this sentiment with pride. “Just like residents, Kroger is Houston Strong,” she affirmed. “We are honored to play a valuable role in both the preparedness and recovery efforts in the region. Our stores, which briefly went offline, are now fully operational, and our shelves are stocked to meet the community's needs.”

Kroger not only provided grocery discounts to help residents restock their fridges but also offered their pharmacy locations as cooling centers during the height of the crisis. In collaboration with Mayor Whitmire's and Judge Hidalgo's offices, they extended critical community assistance when it was needed most.

The distribution of Kroger gift cards, sponsored by Union Pacific, was carefully coordinated through Bread of Life, Inc., an organization led by the compassionate Reverend Rudy Rasmus. Each district council member received these gift cards to distribute within their respective districts, ensuring that the aid reached those who needed it most.

As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of solidarity in the room—a reminder that in Houston, when disaster strikes, the community bands together, stronger and more determined than ever. Union Pacific's commitment to the city, Kroger's unwavering support, and Bread of Life's dedicated service embody the very essence of Houston's resilience.

Houston Style Magazine readers, for those still feeling the lingering effects of Hurricane Beryl, the "Fill the Fridge" initiative is more than just a relief effort—it's a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, local leaders, and charitable organizations come together with a common goal: to uplift and rebuild their community.