Publix Charities Donates $5 Million to Feeding America Network

Publix Super Markets Charities will donate $5 million to the Feeding America network, including 28 member food banks and 38 of their local partner agencies across Publix’s operating area. The donation will provide funding to assist in the transportation and program needs of the food banks and agencies. This year’s $5 million contribution to the Feeding America network is more than three times the amount previously given in any year.

The donation continues Publix Super Markets Charities’ commitment to meeting the basic needs of the communities it serves. Food banks are in need of funding to support emergency food boxes, senior feeding initiatives and kids back pack programs. Refrigerated trucks are also needed to transport perishable items that are donated by food retailers. To help meet these needs, 28 Feeding America member food banks will receive a gift of $100,000–$200,000 from the Foundation in Alabama, Florida, Gerogia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennesse.

This funding will assist more than 10,000 agencies served by the member food banks. In related efforts, the Foundation also will give 38 local food bank partner agencies funding to help meet localized community needs. 

According to the USDA, more than 48 million Americans live in food insecure households, including 15.3 million children. People who struggle with food insecurity 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.

“The statistics are alarming especially as it pertains to our children,” says Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities. “As we prepare for a new school year, many families are left grappling with the reality that they are food insecure. We continue to hear about the need for fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy from Feeding America. Our $5 million donation will help Feeding America member food banks and their local partner agencies with the procurement, collection, transportation and distribution of even more wholesome, perishable foods to children and families. Our Foundation is dedicated to giving the gift of nourishment and hope to our communities.”

As part of the Foundation’s $5 million gift, Feeding America will also receive a $100,000 donation to help provide an additional 1.1 million meals to individuals and families in need.

“Hunger is an issue that affects every community in our country. We are thankful to Publix Charities for its generous contribution to the Feeding America network, and for its commitment to addressing hunger,” say Matt Knott, president of Feeding America. “From refrigerated trucks that have the ability to move millions of meals within communities to feeding programs that reach children and the elderly, this donation will help to ensure that our member food banks are able to meet the needs of people who struggle with hunger.”

In 2007, Publix piloted an in-store perishable recovery program to benefit the Feeding America network of food banks. Fresh departments across the store, including deli, meat, produce and dairy, gathered perishable, wholesome foods that were safe for consumption, but unsalable to donate to member food banks. In 2009, the pilot expanded, and a companywide rollout occurred in 2010. To date, the company has donated more than 220 million pounds of perishable food to food banks, representing more than 183 million meals.

“As a food retailer, our single biggest opportunity to give back is in reducing hunger,” says Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “Our perishable recovery program is just one example of our associates’ commitment to make our communities a better place. By donating much needed wholesome foods, we’re helping our local food banks meet the needs of our neighbors.”

Due to Publix’s perishable recovery efforts, Feeding America named Publix an inaugural Visionary Partner in 2015.

“One in seven Americans struggles with food insecurity, and this hardship can have a lasting impact on their lives, from education to health to employment,” says Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “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.”