As a food retailer, it’s in our nature to feed people. It’s also our greatest opportunity to give back. And during the pandemic, we found new ways to do just that. Here are a few things we did to feed our neighbors in need and do good, together.
Initiative to support farmers and families
Feeding America estimates an additional 17 million people will experience food insecurity due to the pandemic, many of whom are turning to member food banks to put food on their tables. At the same time, farmers started to feel the effects of an unexpected decrease in demand as schools, restaurants and other establishments began to close, and some were forced to discard fresh fruits, vegetables and raw milk.
Working to address the needs of both the farming community and Feeding America member food banks, Publix created and implemented a new initiative to support farmers and families being impacted by the pandemic. Launched on April 22, Publix purchased produce from farmers and milk from southeastern dairy farmers and donated the products to Feeding America member food banks throughout our seven-state operating area.
Through the initiative, we purchased and donated more than 3 million pounds of produce and more than 250,000 gallons of milk. The purchase of produce and milk helped support struggling farmers, while the donations to several Feeding America member food banks throughout our operating area supported families in need in the communities we serve.
Bulk chicken donations to Feeding America
Protein is an important building block of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, higher protein foods like beef and chicken are not often donated to food banks and account for only about 1% of their total food distribution. In addition to providing produce and milk, we also donated over 590,000 pounds of surplus deli chicken to Feeding America member food banks throughout our operating area.
Sandwiches for first responders and hospital staff
We know what it means to be on the front lines during these challenging times, so in April we joined forces with Boar’s Head to donate more than 4,000 sandwiches to first responders and hospital staff in southeast Florida.
This donation was a way for us to recognize the important work they do every day, putting others before themselves and their families.
The sandwiches were prepared by Publix and distributed by Boar’s Head.
Boxed lunches for truck drivers
Truck drivers — another group of heroes — are working extra hard to keep retailers stocked with the food and supplies we need. To thank them for their dedication, Publix provided 400 boxed lunches, including sandwiches, chips and drinks, as part of #ThankATrucker and driver appreciation events in Florida and Georgia. The events were hosted by the Florida Trucking Association, Florida Department of Transportation and Georgia Motor Trucking Association to show support for all truck drivers.
