Publix Produce Partners Raising Funds for Feeding America Member Food Banks

With a new focus on digital shopper communication, the annual Publix Produce for Kids campaign kicked off July 17 with 12 produce partners supporting 31 Feeding America member food banks in Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix’s market area. Food banks have been strained as COVID-19 has affected unemployment rates and the ability for kids to receive daily meals.

To launch the campaign, which runs through Aug. 12, Publix’s produce departments are featuring newly designed campaign signage centered around consumption of produce and eating nutritious produce as a family. New digital elements include a free Facebook Live Cooking Class featuring a family-friendly lunch recipe to be hosted by Produce for Kids on July 22. Attendees will be able to download a shopping list prior to signing up so they can make the recipe with their family alongside Produce for Kids.  

Recipes, podcast episodes, videos and blog content will also be targeted to Publix shoppers through direct email outreach and social media ads and posts. Shoppers are also encouraged to share healthy recipes from their own kitchen during the campaign using the hashtag #produceforkids.

“At Publix, we recognize giving back to our communities is extremely important especially during these unprecedented  times,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of communications. “We are proud to partner with Produce for Kids in this ongoing effort to help families achieve their wellness goals while supporting our communities.”

As an extra call out to the campaign, Produce for Kids founder Shuman Farms is featuring RealSweet onion bin wraps that promote the campaign and encourage shoppers to visit produceforkids.com/publix.

“Now more than ever food banks need our support. We are excited to join forces with Publix produce partners and customers to make an impact in local communities facing hunger,” said John Shuman, founder of Produce for Kids and president of Shuman Farms. “We’ve shifted the way we are speaking to Publix shoppers embracing our digital Publix audience in new ways.” 

Produce for Kids is entering into the 19th year working with Publix and its produce partners. The biannual Publix Produce for Kids campaign touts more than 7.6 million meals donated to families in need and more than $720,000 raised for Feeding America programs in areas where the retailer operates.

The campaign is supported by Ayco Farms, Coast Tropical, Del Monte Foods, Fresh Express, Lakeside Produce, Maries, Mission Produce, RealSweet, Sunset, Village Farms, Wonderful Pistachios and Acosta Sales & Marketing.