The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer Publix says it has donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks, marking a milestone in the company’s efforts to help those facing food insecurity.
The company began purchasing produce in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to help struggling farmers and provide additional fresh fruits and vegetables to its food bank partners, according to a news release.
“As a grocery retailer, we can make our largest impact by helping feed our neighbors in need. Donating 100 million pounds of produce is an example of the difference Publix associates make year-round,” Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “I am proud of this innovative program and how we continue to find new ways to support the communities we serve, but our work is not done. We look forward to continuing to provide our food bank partners with produce throughout the year.”
To get an idea of what 100 million pounds of produce looks like, it could fill six Publix stores from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, and delivering this amount of produce would require nearly 1,400 fully loaded Publix trailers, the company said.
“Feeding America is deeply grateful for our partnership with Publix and for the generosity they continue to demonstrate,” Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “Their contribution of 100 million pounds of fresh produce makes a meaningful difference to people facing food insecurity. We look forward to continuing to work together in the movement to end hunger.”
Since 2020, Publix has donated more than 100 million pounds of produce to 35 food banks, the release said. (A full list of donations by state is available here.)
In 2021, Publix launched its Good Together hunger alleviation campaign, formerly known as Feeding More Together, uniting customers and associates twice a year to provide food for people facing food insecurity.
Through the food donation program, Publix also donates food from its stores that is no longer salable but still safe for consumption. During its fall Publix Serves Week, thousands of company associates volunteer with organizations that assist community members facing hunger, according to the release. Feeding America recognizes Publix as a Feeding America Visionary Partner for its contributions to partner food banks, the company said.
