We have entered the time of year when we have more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our customers and communities.

For the last six months, my columns have covered our essential character traits, what those mean and how you can apply them in your work. As you remember, our brand promise is to be the store that knows the most and cares the most about the products we sell and people we serve.

The holidays are a great time to show how much we care. Being laser-focused on customer service and product knowledge during this time of year gives us the chance to not only help our customers be the stars of their gatherings, but also to convert the occasional customer to a loyal Publix shopper.

But making a difference doesn’t end with our customers; it’s also about our communities. We make a difference in the lives of those in our communities all year, but sometimes it can feel more important during the holidays. Did you know 1 in 8 people across the U.S. struggles with hunger, including more than 9 million people in Publix’s operating area? How well we execute our food donation programs makes a difference to families in need and can allow them to serve wholesome, nutritious meals to their families.

I am thankful for the blessings Publix has in each of you, and I hope you will take time to remember no matter whether you’re serving customers in our stores or those in our communities, you are a difference maker.

Thanks for all you do.

Todd Jones
CEO

Read more messages from Todd.