When football meets philanthropy, the real winners aren’t just on the scoreboard—they’re in our Houston neighborhoods. This year, the Houston Texans’ Red Zone Sponsorship with TDECU (Texas Dow Employees Credit Union) has taken on a powerful new purpose: feeding hungry children through the life-changing work of Kids’ Meals.

Scoring Points for Houston’s Future

Every time the Texans’ offense pushes into the red zone—the heart-pounding stretch between the 20-yard line and the goal line—TDECU donates $300. That single play funds 150 nutritious lunches for preschool-aged children who otherwise might go without. With the Texans’ offense heating up, Houston’s kids now have more reasons than ever to cheer.

For Isaac Johnson, President and CEO of TDECU, the partnership is about more than charity; it’s about legacy.

“Part of our giving strategy is focused on addressing critical needs like food insecurity, and Kids’ Meals is doing life-changing work in that space,” Johnson explained. “This new opportunity allows us to take that relationship to the next level.”

Kids’ Meals: Nourishing More Than Stomachs

Kids’ Meals, a Houston nonprofit, delivers over 9,000 healthy meals every weekday to children living in food-insecure households. For Beth Braniff Harp, CEO of Kids’ Meals, the partnership with TDECU is a lifeline:

“The TDECU Red Zone partnership demonstrates the incredible impact possible when organizations unite to end childhood hunger. Together, we’re not just feeding children—we’re delivering hope across Greater Houston.”

A Kickoff Celebration Full of Spirit

The collaboration officially launched with a high-energy celebration at Kids’ Meals headquarters. The TDECU Cares Foundation presented an $8,000 donation, and Texans Safety Jalen Pitre, mascot Toro, Texans cheerleaders, and over 90 TDECU volunteers rolled up their sleeves to prepare meals. For Pitre, a proud Houston native, the moment was deeply personal:

“We’re proud to partner with TDECU to support Kids’ Meals this season. This is about making sure Houston kids have the fuel they need to dream big and achieve.”

A Legacy of Giving Back

This marks the fourth consecutive year that TDECU has served as the Texans’ Red Zone sponsor. Last season alone, the program raised more than $24,000 for KIPP Sunnyside. For Crystal Harris, Executive Director of the TDECU Cares Foundation, the initiative is the definition of a win-win:

“We get to cheer for the Texans on the field while knowing every score helps provide meals for children who need them most. It’s a touchdown for Houston.”

About TDECU

Founded in 1955, TDECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over 399,000 members and $4.8 billion in assets. With 34 Member Centers and a network of 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide, TDECU offers everything from mortgages and auto loans to digital banking, wealth management, and insurance products. Beyond banking, TDECU invests deeply in community well-being through its TDECU Cares Foundation.

For more information, visit www.TDECU.org or call (800) 839-1154.

Why It Matters

In Houston, where one in four children faces food insecurity, partnerships like this redefine what it means to be “Houston strong.” Every touchdown in the red zone becomes a victory for our city’s youngest and most vulnerable. By combining hometown pride, athletic energy, and community generosity, the Texans and TDECU are proving that when Houston plays as a team—no child is left behind.