H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing Draws Record Crowd in Fort Worth

H-E-B’s annual Feast of Sharing event in Fort Worth attracted over 10,000 attendees, marking a significant increase in participation this year. Held at Dickies Arena on November 13, 2025, this 13th annual gathering brought together more than 1,300 volunteers and over 40 social service agencies, including representatives from Texas Health Resources, to provide essential support to those in need.

Volunteering at the event allowed individuals like Vanessa Enriquez, who works with the Wellness for Life mobile health clinic, to reach underserved communities effectively. She emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about available health resources, stating, “Many people say they don’t have insurance or whatever, but we have grants and other services available to get them mammograms, cancer screenings and other testing. Also, we can come to you and many people don’t know that.” Enriquez, who has participated in the event in previous years, expressed her enthusiasm about returning to serve the community.

The Feast of Sharing offers a festive atmosphere, featuring a Texas-style holiday meal along with live entertainment, a dedicated kids zone, and health services. Attendees also enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus, enhancing the holiday spirit of the event. Since its inception in 1989, H-E-B has organized similar events across more than 34 cities in Texas and Mexico, serving over 340,000 meals annually.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker praised the community’s involvement, expressing pride in the volunteers from Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She highlighted the ongoing issue of food insecurity, particularly following recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during a federal government shutdown. Parker posed critical questions regarding how to ensure families have the stability needed to secure food, stating, “Let’s answer those core questions.”

A significant increase in attendance has been observed at H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing events this year. Austin Jourde, the general manager of Central Market for Fort Worth, noted that earlier events in the state experienced attendance boosts of 25% to 30%. He anticipated serving approximately 9,000 meals this year, with preparations to accommodate over 10,000 attendees. Last year, the event served around 7,500 meals, showcasing the growing demand for such community support.

In a new initiative, volunteers also distributed coats to those in need, underscoring the event’s commitment to addressing various aspects of community welfare. “These services, they’re vital,” Jourde remarked. “The need is definitely there.”

This year’s Feast of Sharing not only provided nourishment but also connected residents to vital health and social services, fostering a spirit of community and support. As the event continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in addressing food insecurity and health disparities in the community.