A $1 add-on at 35 local Whataburger locations supports the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Every dollar helps provide four meals to those in need.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Whataburger is teaming up with the Coastal Bend Food Bank this holiday season, offering customers a chance to give a meal and get a meal while supporting families in need.

RELATED: H-E-B Donates $75,000 to Corpus Christi Meals on Wheels, Largest Gift in Program’s History

Through Christmas Eve, customers who donate $1 at any Whataburger location in the Coastal Bend will receive a coupon for a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and a 32-ounce drink. The coupon is valid through Jan. 31.

Michaela Stewart with the Coastal Bend Food Bank said the partnership has been long-standing and continues to make a significant impact during the holidays.

“Whataburger has always been a longtime friend and partner of the Coastal Bend Food Bank,” Stewart said. “Every $1 that is donated will provide four meals to families here in the Coastal Bend, so that’s a big impact.”

Whataburger officials say the campaign is off to a strong start. Field marketer Laurie Ramirez said the first week of donations brought in nearly $20,000.

“Our goal is $80,000 to $100,000, so we really need the community to come together and help support this campaign,” Ramirez said.

Nonprofits who rely on the food bank are also benefitting from the increased support. Diana Frutos, a cook with Timon’s Ministries in Flour Bluff, said the donations help her serve dozens of people experiencing homelessness.

“When I hear free food I’m more than willing to come pick up because I do feed lots of homeless people,” Frutos said.

She added that Tuesday’s shipment was especially helpful. 

“Today is all meat, so they’re going to have lots of meat this week,” she said.

Officials with the Coastal Bend Food Bank say that demand is up approximately 20% this year, so even a small donation can help provide a better holiday season for families across the region.

KIII’s Share Your Christmas food drive will take place Wednesday, Dec. 10, with live coverage from 3 to 5:30 p.m. You can donate here.