Texas, January 16, 2026
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods, securing the distribution of over 2 million eggs to food banks statewide. This comes after allegations of price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the donation intended to assist communities affected by the crisis. The eggs will be distributed to multiple food banks, including those in North Texas, Houston, and San Antonio, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support hunger relief in Texas.
Texas Food Banks to Receive Over 2 Million Free Eggs Following Settlement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., resulting in the donation of over 2 million eggs to food banks across the state. This action addresses allegations of price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details of the Settlement
As part of the settlement, Cal-Maine Foods, one of the nation’s largest egg suppliers, will donate approximately 2.16 million eggs—equivalent to 180,000 dozen—to Texas food banks within the next 120 days. The distribution plan includes:
- North Texas Food Bank: At least 30,000 dozen eggs
- Tarrant Area Food Bank: At least 20,000 dozen eggs
- Houston Food Bank: At least 30,000 dozen eggs
- Central Texas Food Bank: At least 20,000 dozen eggs
- San Antonio Food Bank: At least 20,000 dozen eggs
- Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley: At least 10,000 dozen eggs
- East Texas Food Bank: At least 10,000 dozen eggs
- El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank: At least 10,000 dozen eggs
- Coastal Bend Food Bank: At least 5,000 dozen eggs
- South Texas Food Bank: At least 5,000 dozen eggs
- Southeast Texas Food Bank: At least 5,000 dozen eggs
- South Plains Food Bank: At least 5,000 dozen eggs
- High Plains Food Bank: At least 2,000 dozen eggs
- West Texas Food Bank: At least 2,000 dozen eggs
- Food Bank of West Central Texas: At least 2,000 dozen eggs
- Food Bank of the Golden Crescent: At least 2,000 dozen eggs
- Wichita Falls Area Food Bank: At least 2,000 dozen eggs
Background on the Allegations
In April 2020, the Texas Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit against Cal-Maine Foods, alleging that the company illegally increased egg prices by up to 300% during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The settlement aims to address these allegations and provide relief to communities affected by the price hikes.
Statement from Attorney General Paxton
Attorney General Paxton emphasized the importance of holding corporations accountable for unethical practices, stating that the settlement is a significant step toward securing justice for the company’s actions during the pandemic. The agreement also includes reforms to prevent future illegal price gouging and ensures the distribution of over two million free eggs to food banks statewide.
About Cal-Maine Foods
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States. The company has a history of providing egg donations to local food banks and community organizations, contributing to hunger relief efforts across the nation.
Impact on Texas Communities
The donation of over 2 million eggs is expected to significantly support food banks in Texas, aiding in the distribution of essential nutrition to individuals and families in need. The settlement underscores the state’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair pricing practices, especially during times of crisis.
Conclusion
The settlement between the Texas Attorney General’s office and Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. represents a substantial effort to address price gouging allegations and provide relief to communities affected by the pandemic. The donation of over 2 million eggs to food banks across Texas will play a crucial role in supporting hunger relief initiatives and ensuring access to essential food resources for those in need.
FAQ
What is the settlement between Texas and Cal-Maine Foods?
The settlement requires Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. to donate over 2 million eggs to food banks across Texas, addressing allegations of price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How many eggs will be donated, and to which food banks?
Approximately 2.16 million eggs (180,000 dozen) will be donated to various food banks statewide, including the North Texas Food Bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, and others.
What were the allegations against Cal-Maine Foods?
In April 2020, the Texas Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit alleging that Cal-Maine Foods illegally increased egg prices by up to 300% during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the significance of this settlement?
The settlement holds Cal-Maine Foods accountable for unethical pricing practices and provides over 2 million free eggs to support hunger relief efforts across Texas.
Who is Cal-Maine Foods?
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States, headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The company has a history of providing egg donations to local food banks and community organizations.
How will this donation impact Texas communities?
The donation is expected to significantly support food banks in Texas, aiding in the distribution of essential nutrition to individuals and families in need, and underscores the state’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair pricing practices during times of crisis.
Key Features of the Settlement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Eggs Donated | Over 2 million eggs (approximately 180,000 dozen) |
| Food Banks Receiving Donations | North Texas Food Bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, and others across Texas |
| Allegations Against Cal-Maine Foods | Illegal price increases of up to 300% during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Settlement Outcome | Donation of eggs and reforms to prevent future price gouging |
| Impact on Texas Communities | Support for hunger relief efforts and access to essential food resources |
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