During these uncertain times when we are seeing so many people struggling to keep food on the table, it’s a shining light of hope to see businesses focus on making a positive difference in their community. That’s exactly what Publix is doing once again.

Two and a half months after launching the program, more than 5 million pounds of produce and 350,000 gallons of milk have been purchased and donated to Feeding America® member food banks throughout the company’s operating area, officials said.

The program has also expanded to support farmers in other states as the growing season moves north. In addition to purchasing produce from Florida farmers, Publix is now buying produce from farmers in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina and will add farmers from Tennessee and Virginia in the coming weeks.

“During these challenging times, we remain committed to working together to find the solutions that positively impact our communities in need. We are honored to continue our support of Feeding America member food banks and to purchase produce and milk from farmers across the Southeast,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “As the harvest season moves north, so is our initiative, expanding to support additional farmers and serve as many people as possible.”

When the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to closes schools, restaurants, hotels and other establishments, farmers were forced to discard produce and raw milk due to decreased demand. At the same time, more individuals and families began turning to Feeding America member food banks. It was difficult to watch this taking place on the news, and for most of us, we felt helpless to affect change. But Publix stepped in and stepped up. Working to address the challenges facing both the farming community and Feeding America member food banks, Publix created and implemented this initiative to support farmers and families being impacted by the pandemic.

“We have received more than 720,000 pounds of produce and 97,000 gallons of milk from Publix over the last 10 weeks. This has helped us provide food to more than 1 million individuals,” said President and CEO of Feeding South Florida Paco Vélez. “We are grateful to Publix not only for their support of growers, but also Feeding South Florida through this initiative as well as their perishable food and monetary donations all year long.”

Since 2009, Publix has donated more than $2 billion in food to people in need and has pledged an additional $2 billion in food donations over the next 10 years.

Over the last five years, Publix Super Markets Charities, which supports nonprofits in Publix’s operating area, has donated more than $17.5 million to Feeding America and its member food banks, including $2 million during the pandemic.

As we all know, Publix was one of the first organizations to begin installing safety measures in their stores for the good of both customers and team members, so their nature as a business to care for the community is well known. But, their teaming up with Feeding America member food banks, has certainly brought the level of positive impact they have on the community they are a part of to a new high level.

From Positively Osceola, we thank Publix for their focus on helping the community they do business in, and are a part of!
Thank you.