Two cornerstones of the Publix mission statement are to be involved as responsible citizens in our communities and intolerant of waste.

As a grocery retailer, we can make the greatest impact by helping feed our neighbors in need.

In 2009, we created what is now known as the Good Together food donation program. It supports Feeding America partner food banks and other nonprofit organizations. The program allows us to donate food from our deli, grocery, meat and produce departments that is no longer salable but safe to eat. In September, we were able to add more than 4,000 products to the program.

This opportunity to do good together has led to outstanding results: We recently passed the milestone of donating over 1 billion pounds of food through this program! To give you an idea of what 1 billion pounds of food looks like, it could fill over 22,000 Publix trailers. Then, if you lined those tractor-trailers up, it would stretch over 300 miles — the distance from Atlanta to Jacksonville, Florida!

“Caring for our communities is a passion that has been a part of our company’s culture since Mr. George founded Publix nearly 95 years ago,” said CEO Kevin Murphy. “I’m proud of our associates who have helped donate over 1 billion pounds of food to individuals and families in our communities experiencing food insecurity.”

Publix Hunger Summit

In late February, we hosted our 2nd Publix Hunger Summit, bringing together our leaders and representatives from Feeding America partner food banks we work with.

The summit’s goal was to learn from each other in the hopes of finding ways to get more food into the hands of people who need it most.

One way this is done is with mobile food pantries, funded by Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) in 2022. These vehicles hit the road starting in 2023, bringing Publix-provided produce and other nutritious food to communities facing food insecurity throughout the Southeast.

Publix Charities grant

In addition, PSMC announced a special $6 million grant opportunity for select food banks in Publix’s operating area to fund 1-time projects, such as capital improvements, to help their organizations.

“We are dedicated to improving lives in the communities where Publix operates,” said Publix Charities Executive Director John Doran. “This grant helps give hope to our neighbors in need by supporting our food bank partners.”

This grant opportunity, in addition to PSMC’s annual donations to help people facing food insecurity, brings its total investment to help end hunger to over $69 million since 2015.

Looking to the future

We are committed to keep looking for ways to donate as much food as possible. This way, we can all continue to do good, together.