Publix leaders shared how we’re increasing our commitment to being involved as responsible citizens in our communities.
In the past 2 years, we have taken some big steps on 2 major initiatives: hunger alleviation and sustainability. Here’s what we heard from Vice President of Public Affairs John Provenzano and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Merriann Metz.
Taking the lead to help the hungry
John shared some of the things Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities do to support Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations:
- Perishable Recovery — From 2009 to 2019, we donated more than $2 billion in no longer salable, but still wholesome, food; we’ve committed to donating another $2 billion by 2030.
- Passive Pickup — More than 100 stores are piloting a way for volunteers at smaller food banks to transport food donations that are within 30 minutes of a store.
- Hunger Action Month — Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) donated $5.5 million to help organizations purchase critical items like refrigerated trucks and warehouse coolers.
The pandemic brought opportunities to do even more. Since April 2020, we have developed and implemented 2 innovative programs to get more food to those in need.
Farmers and families initiative
When schools and restaurants closed, we learned farmers were disposing of crops and milk. At the same time, our food bank partners saw increased demand. Publix was one of the first public or private entities to develop a solution.
“This is when working for a world-class company like Publix makes all the difference,” said John. “We had an idea. Why can’t we pay farmers a fair price for their produce and milk and donate it to the Feeding America member food banks that need it? Well, not only could we — we did!”
Feeding More Together
In this program, we use customer donations to purchase shelf-stable items, and we match that dollar amount with fresh produce. Then, we donate all of it to local food banks.
When we combine the results of our farmers and families initiative with Feeding More Together, we had purchased and delivered more than 40 million pounds of product to Feeding America member food banks by the end of 2021.
“From the very start, giving has been at the heart of who we are as a company. And as a food retailer, helping feed our neighbors in need is where we can help most,” John said.
Recharging sustainability
For her presentation, Merriann talked about our efforts to renew and update our commitment to the environment, and create a structure for our areas of focus. She announced 5 new sustainability pillars for current and future efforts:
- Water Stewardship
- Landfill Diversion
- Energy Conservation
- Plastics and Packaging
- Responsible Sourcing
Over the past 5 years, Publix has made donations to help support water stewardship in Florida. And in 2021, we committed $2 million to help remove invasive trees and plants in the Everglades.
“But our work isn’t done,” said Merriann. “Teams across Publix are working together to identify actions we can take to make a greater impact in each of the 5 sustainability pillars.”
She shared some efforts we’re already doing:
- Installing smart irrigation systems in retail landscaping.
- Promoting our recycling program for bags and foams.
- Installing automated LED lighting in freezer cases.
- Changing to recyclable packaging for GreenWise chicken.
- Taking leadership as the first U.S. retailer to join the Ocean Disclosure Project to support seafood sustainability.
And she shared how we can all take steps to help Publix make positive changes for our planet:
- Being champions of our Green Routine program.
- Reporting leaks and irrigation issues as soon as you see them.
- Making sure recycling is properly sorted and uncontaminated.
- Turning off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Following proper procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
- Using proper bagging techniques.
- Thanking customers for using reusable bags.
- Sharing that items left in the recycling bins at our stores are sent to vendors who convert them into new products like boards for outdoor decks.
“The actions inside our stores make a difference to the world outside our stores,” said Merriann, “because doing our part not only helps us today, but our world tomorrow.”
