Publix Launches Produce for Kids Campaign

For the 16th year, Publix Super Markets has launched its annual healthy eating campaign in collaboration with Produce for Kids to raise funds for local Feeding America food banks across the retailer’s seven-state footprint.

From now through Oct. 24, Publix stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia will feature registered dietitian-approved healthy meal solutions, recipes and content designed to inspire shoppers to eat more fruits and vegetables.

The retailer will also display in its produce department in-store signage featuring the Produce for Kids and Feeding America logos in partnership with participating produce suppliers, including Avocados From Mexico, Crunch Pak, Del Monte Foods, Little Bear, Marie’s and Michigan Apples.

“At Publix, we want to help our customers meet their health and wellness goals by offering a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in our stores,” Maria Brous, media and community relations director for Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix, said in a statement. “We are proud to partner with Produce for Kids on an effort that helps families make better choices to meet their lifestyle needs while supporting our communities.”

To drive shopper engagement, the retailer is encouraging its customers to share their own healthy recipes using the hashtag #produceforkids on social media platforms. Customers can also visit the campaign’s website to access more than 450 recipes, meal-planning tools, store-specific campaign details and healthy living tips.

Related:Sensory-Based Food Education Helps Tots Choose Produce

“Over 16 years, the Publix produce department has worked year over year to raise nearly $3.2 million,” said Trish James, VP of Orlando, Fla.-based Produce for Kids. “Our shared vision has allowed the campaign to educate customers on the value of fresh produce while supporting children and families in the Publix market area.”

Publix’s campaign with Produce for Kids has raised more than $3.2 million for local charities and has donated more than $546,000 for Feeding America programs since 2002.

Funds from this year’s initiative will be donated to dozens of local Feeding America food banks, including Feeding the Gulf Coast, All Faiths Food Bank, Feeding the Valley Food Bank and Treasure Coast Food Bank.