While it’s important to limit shrink, Publix must absorb some shrink to provide our customers with a variety of quality products. Planned shrink comes at an expense, but there’s a better solution than throwing away products that have passed their sell-by dates.

Many Publix stores have relationships with local charities that pick up bakery donations and participate in our perishable recovery program to feed people in need within our communities.

In the bakery, many stores gather non-refrigerated products that have exceeded their sell-by dates and place them in a box for donation to a local charity. Although these products no longer meet our quality standards to sell at full retail, they are wholesome, tasteful and a welcome supplement to agencies dedicated to helping people in need.

Publix also partners with Feeding America and its affiliate food bank members to recover and donate designated perishable items to help put an end to hunger. Departments participate by gathering select perishable items for a partner agency to pick up. Through this program, Publix stores have contributed more than 75 million pounds of food to local food banks in the past five years.

Part of our mission at Publix is to be intolerant of waste and involved as responsible citizens in our communities. By donating perishable products that have reached their sell-by dates —through bakery donations and the perishable recovery program — we support our local communities and reduce unnecessary food waste, which is a win-win for all.

Publix News Live: Bakery Donations

Watch Publix News Live to learn more about the bakery donation process and how one particular community benefits.