Publix reaches milestone, donating 100 million pounds of produce to help feed neighbors in need

More than 51.6 million pounds of produce donated to Florida food banks 

LAKELAND, Fla., May 14, 2024 — Publix has donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to help feed neighbors facing food insecurity. The company began purchasing produce in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to help struggling farmers and provide additional fresh fruits and vegetables to its food bank partners. 

“As a grocery retailer, we can make our largest impact by helping feed our neighbors in need.  Donating 100 million pounds of produce is an example of the difference Publix associates make year-round,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “I am proud of this innovative program and how we continue to find new ways to support the communities we serve, but our work is not done. We look forward to continuing to provide our food bank partners with produce throughout the year.” 

“Feeding America is deeply grateful for our partnership with Publix and for the generosity they continue to demonstrate,” said Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. “Their contribution of 100 million pounds of fresh produce makes a meaningful difference to people facing food insecurity.  We look forward to continuing to work together in the movement to end hunger.”

Donations in Florida 

Since 2020, Publix has donated 51,601,948 pounds of produce to seven food banks in Florida: 

Food Bank Name  Food Bank City  Receiving Produce  Since Pounds  

Donated

Feeding Northeast Florida  Jacksonville  2020  8,329,983
Feeding South Florida  Pembroke Park  2020  8,881,799
Feeding Tampa Bay  Tampa  2020  7,919,702
Harry Chapin Food Bank  Fort Myers  2020  7,689,753
Second Harvest Food Bank of  Central Florida Orlando  2021  5,636,393
Second Harvest of the Big Bend  Tallahassee  2021  5,529,208
Treasure Coast Food Bank  Fort Pierce  2020  7,615,110

Other ways Publix feeds its neighbors facing hunger 

This milestone is only part of the company’s commitment to making a difference across its  operating area. In 2021, Publix launched its Good Together hunger alleviation campaign (formerly  known as Feeding More Together), uniting customers and associates twice a year to provide food for  people facing food insecurity. Through its Good Together food donation program, Publix also donates  food from its stores that is no longer salable but still safe for consumption. During its fall Publix Serves  Week, thousands of company associates volunteer with organizations that assist community members  facing hunger. Feeding America recognizes Publix as a Feeding America Visionary Partner for its  contributions to partner food banks.  

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates,  currently operates 1,376 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North  Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 27 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by  Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer  service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s  newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

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