Every September, people all over the country stand with Feeding America to support hunger relief during Hunger Action Month. For us, alleviating hunger is not just a monthlong, but a yearlong effort. We have several programs in place to help feed those in need in our communities.
Initiative to support farmers and families
This year, we launched a new initiative to help farmers and families impacted by COVID-19. As the pandemic created an unexpected decrease in demand, many produce and dairy farmers across the Southeast found themselves dumping or plowing over product they could no longer sell. Meanwhile, food banks throughout the region were reporting substantial increases — some as high as 300% to 400% — in need. To help, Publix began purchasing produce and milk from southeastern farmers and donating the products directly to food banks throughout our seven-state operating area. Over the last five months, we’ve purchased and donated more than 11 million pounds of produce and 500,000 gallons of milk to support our communities.
Publix Super Markets Charities
On Sept. 1, Publix Super Markets Charities announced it was donating an additional $3 million to help with hunger alleviation through Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations, bringing its total 2020 contribution to $5 million. Earlier this year, Publix Charities donated $2 million to Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations to help provide food and other essential support to those impacted by the pandemic.
Food donations
Another way we give back is through donations of food to Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofits. In 2007, we piloted our perishable recovery program, donating much-needed wholesome but unsalable foods to local food banks. The program was rolled out companywide in 2010 and since then has provided more than 535 million pounds of food, equaling over 410 million meals, to help the communities we serve.
Each year, we also offer Food for Sharing, a register campaign allowing customers to join in our efforts to alleviate hunger. Customers choose from a preselected food bundle, or contribute any amount, to be donated to local food banks. Almost $96 million in food has been donated since 2009 through this program.
Since Mr. George founded Publix in 1930, he believed that for any organization to be truly successful, it must give back. As a food retailer, our single biggest opportunity to give back is in helping to alleviate hunger. Ninety years later, we remain committed to finding ways to feed our neighbors in need all year long.
Learn how Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities work to alleviate hunger throughout the year in this video.
