Houston is one of many cities across the country taking part in the initiative. This year's goal is to collect 2.8 million meals.
Scott McClelland from HEB explains how the event has grown over the years.
"You know, it's a funny story. Eight years ago, my pastor was involved with Souper Bowl and said, 'Could you make it bigger?' And so, I got the idea to talk to our competitors, Kroger's and Randall's, and say, let's get together and put together the biggest drive ever in the state of Texas," he said. "It went from that eight years ago to this year, where we'll raise 3.5 million meals; the biggest food drive in the state of Texas ever."
The need for donations is year round.
"It is a critical time and interestingly as big as this is, it only meets 5 percent of the Food Banks needs for the entire year. That shows how big the need is for people," said McClelland.
Souper Bowl of Caring will also be introducing its first Text To Donate campaign in Houston. You can text FeedHou to 20222 to donate $10 to the Houston Food Bank.
More than 250 area schools and congregations will organize events and conduct drives at their locations. The food drive runs through Super Bowl Sunday, February 2.
ABC13 is a partner in the Souper Bowl of Caring. For more information on participating stores, group participation and/or volunteer opportunities, visit the website at SouperBowl.org.
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