As a food retailer, it makes sense for Publix to partner with organizations that help feed the hungry. Publix often serves as the grocer of choice for community organizations that offer customers the opportunity to help eradicate hunger.
Many community food collections and donations begin in churches, which coordinate activities through Publix’s divisional offices. Local stores work with our purchasing and media and community relations departments in advance to make sure plenty of product is on hand to support store needs during food drives.
“Supporting initiatives to feed the hungry is the right thing for Publix to do as a grocer,” said Director of Media and Community Relations Maria Brous. “We’re always looking for more ways to partner with community organizations to donate food to those who need it most.”
Held each spring and fall, Feed the Bay is a community outreach in Hillsborough County, Fla., that unites churches and food banks. Using shopping lists of needed items, church leaders encourage their congregations to shop at Publix and other food retailers and donate the purchased items to local food banks.
Feed the Bay aims to collect enough food to stock the shelves of participating community food agencies for at least six months. Earlier this year, Feed the Bay collected more than 160,000 pounds of food and toiletries.
A similar initiative took place this spring at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Fla. The congregation was given an envelope containing a list of needed items and $10 from the church. They were encouraged to spend the money, plus match or exceed the amount, at #356, Lakeland, and then stuff the church bus with the food, paper products and toiletries.
Pictured above members of St. Paul Lutheran Church shopped at #356, Lakeland, Fla., to stuff their church bus with food and other items for local food banks. As a food retailer, Publix takes pride in helping community organizations fight hunger.
Publix supports corporate initiatives to end hunger
These are just a few of the programs through which Publix donates food to those who are hungry in our communities.
| What | When | How it works | How much was donated |
| Food For Sharing | 3 weeks in the spring prior to the Easter holiday and 3 weeks in November leading up to Thanksgiving | Publix promotes three recipes and encourages customers to donate funds based on the ingredients. The food is sent on pallets from Publix distribution centers to local food banks. | Customers donated a retail value of more than $2 million during the Easter 2013 campaign alone. |
| Food For All | 3 weeks in December leading up to Christmas | Donation coupons are displayed at checkout stands, and customers can select an amount that is added to their final bill. The proceeds benefit local charities. | Customers donated more than $3.2 million in 2012. |
| Perishable Recovery | Year-round in 76 percent of Publix stores | Select perishable foods that reach their sell-by date are picked up each week by local food banks that distribute the still usable foods to agencies which feed the hungry. | Publix donated more than 29 million pounds in 2012. In addition, Publix received an 8 percent tax credit for its donations. |
