At an event in August that coincided with the kickoff of National Hunger Action Month, Publix Super Markets Charities announced it will donate $5 million to the Feeding America network across Publix’s operating area.

The donation will provide funds to 28 member food banks — reaching more than 10,000 agencies — to assist in their transportation and program needs. Publix Charities also will give 38 partner agencies funding to help meet localized community needs. And, Feeding America will receive $100,000 to help provide an additional 1.1 million meals to individuals and families in need.

This year’s contribution is more than three times the amount previously given in any year.

“We continue to hear about the need for fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy from Feeding America,” said President of Publix Super Markets Charities Carol Jenkins Barnett. “Our $5 million donation will help the Feeding America member food banks and their partner agencies with the procurement, collection, transportation and distribution of even more wholesome, perishable foods to children and families. Publix Super Markets Charities is dedicated to giving the gift of nourishment and hope to our communities.”

Filling the plates of others

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 48 million Americans live in food insecure households — including 15.3 million children — who are unable to consistently access enough nutritious food necessary for a healthy life. Although food insecurity is harmful to any individual, it can be particularly devastating among children due to their increased vulnerability and the potential for long-term consequences.

As a food retailer, our single biggest opportunity to give back is in reducing hunger. One way we give back is through our perishable recovery program, which donates much-needed wholesome foods to local food banks to help meet the needs of our neighbors. Since the program was piloted in 2007 and rolled out companywide in 2010, Publix has donated more than 220 million pounds of perishable food — or more than 183 million meals. And each year, we invite customers to join us in our Food for Sharing and Food For All campaigns to support community hunger initiatives in our communities.

Online Exclusive

For a list of the 28 Feeding America member food banks and 38 local food bank partner agencies that will benefit from this donation, visit Publix Charities’ website at www.publixcharities.org/more.

In support of National Hunger Action Month, the pond at our corporate office is filled with 66 inflatable orange balls. Publix Super Markets Charities’ donation of $5 million to the Feeding America network will provide funding to 28 member food banks, represented by the larger balls, with additional funding to 38 partner agencies, shown by the smaller balls. Orange signifies hunger awareness and the one in seven Americans who are food insecure.

Signs representing Publix Super Markets Charities’ and Publix’s support of the Feeding America network decorated the room. In addition, banners on the corporate office are helping us share the message of bringing more to the table and hope to our communities throughout the Southeast.

Director of Media and Community Relations Maria Brous introduces guests and speakers at the press conference announcing Publix Super Markets Charities’ donation of $5 million to the Feeding America network.

Guests at the press conference announcing Publix Super Markets Charities’ donation of $5 million to the Feeding America network included current and former Publix associates and leaders, members of the board of directors and community members.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam shared his thoughts on Publix Super Markets Charities’ donation to the Feeding America network.

“Most of us think of hunger as a Third-World problem, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s in our classrooms, in our churches. Publix Super Markets Charities’ generous contribution will not only help provide nutritious food to families in need, but has the potential to improve the lives of thousands of Americans.”

On left, Senior Vice President & General Counsel John Attaway and Executive Director of Publix Super Markets Charities Kelly Williams-Puccio joined (on right) Vice Chairman Barney Barnett and Advisor to the CEO Tina Johnson to present the $5 million donation to Feeding America representatives.