From selling high-quality products to serving our communities, Publix is more than a grocery store. But did you know that includes being involved in local, state and federal government?

Our government relations team works with elected and appointed officials on issues and potential legislation that could affect our company, customers and associates.

“America’s retail and manufacturing industries are major drivers of our economy,” said Director of Government Relations Lindsey Napier. “It’s important for Publix to engage in advocacy for pro-business policies, and we do our part to protect the values and ideals that continue to make Publix successful.”

Federal legislation and regulation

Although we’re a regional company, federal legislation can have a big impact on our business. For example, the Food and Drug Administration’s new menu labeling regulations require food retailers like Publix to disclose calorie information for certain restaurant-type foods, as well as immediately provide full written nutritional information for certain foods to a customer upon request. The government relations team partnered with our retail business units, corporate quality assurance and other departments, as well as industry associations, to advocate for a later compliance deadline. This allowed Publix more time to implement solutions that are right for our customers and associates.

State legislation and regulation

Since the early 1900s, Tennessee grocery stores were prohibited from selling wine, and grocery store customers were inconvenienced by going to separate stores to make these purchases. The government relations team worked with a coalition of Tennessee grocers and association partners to change this state law. The law was changed in 2014 to allow local municipalities to decide if grocery stores could sell wine. The referendums passed in all locations where we have stores, and on July 1, 2016, our Tennessee stores sold wine for the first time.

Before the 2016 presidential election, the government relations team hosted a forum for Publix Associates Political Action Committee members. During the meeting, attendees were informed about current and upcoming political issues and legislation that could affect our business.

Local ordinances

Earlier this year, the Florida cities of Miami Beach and Coral Gables and the town of Surfside passed ordinances banning polystyrene packaging from being used or sold in retail stores. To comply, Publix had to source alternatives for drink cups and containers for deli hot sides, bakery foam cake circles and produce trays. While Publix is committed to sustainable sourcing, it takes time to find cost-effective alternatives that meet our customers’ quality expectations. So, our government relations team worked with our industry association partners and other retailers to pass a state law that prohibits local governments from applying their own polystyrene bans. This law prevents a patchwork of local ordinances that would make compliance extremely difficult.