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Publix becomes top corporate donor for United Way

Southeastern supermarket chain ranks first in charitable giving to global nonprofit

Russell Redman

August 12, 2020

2 Min Read
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Publix associates pledged $38.6 million in the retailer’s most recent workplace campaign and Publix Super Market Charities donated $25 million, bringing the total contribution to $63.6 million for 2019.Publix Super Markets

Publix Super Markets has been named the No. 1 Global Corporate Leader for United Way, the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit.

Alexandria, Va.-based United Way said Wednesday that Publix associates pledged $38.6 million in the retailer’s most recent workplace campaign and Publix Super Market Charities donated $25 million, bringing the total contribution to $63.6 million for 2019.

The donations support 109 local United Ways in Publix’s seven-state market area. United Way said the contributions will advance its local efforts to improve health and wellness, early education and financial stability in the Southeastern U.S. communities that Publix serves. The employee-owned chain currently operates 1,252 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

“We’re honored to be recognized as United Way’s No. 1 Global Corporate Leader,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “Our founder, George Jenkins, believed in the benefit of giving to United Way because the funds raised support the critical needs of the community through local agencies. I’m proud of our associates for continuing the legacy of giving Mr. George exemplified.”

Publix has donated to United Way for more than 40 years. United Way said the Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer is one of 52,000 companies — including more than half of the Fortune 500 — that partner with the nonprofit. United Way is engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories and raises $4.7 billion annually via its 9.8 million donors worldwide.

Related:Sales at Publix jump 20% in second quarter

“Publix and its associates share United Way’s belief in building strong communities, which is why it’s no surprise to see Publix become our largest corporate donor,” stated Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “On behalf of everyone at United Way, I want to thank Publix for being incredible community citizens.”

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About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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