Publix highlights hunger relief efforts during Hunger Action Month

Publix is looking to help alleviate hunger in the communities it serves.

To do just that, the retailer is highlighting its year-round efforts, which include donating more than 33 million lbs. of produce to Feeding America member food banks through its Feeding More Together campaign.

The Feeding More Together initiative, which launched in 2020, donated more than 18 million lbs. of produce and 500,000 gallons of milk to Feeding America member food banks, the retailer said.

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“Having food on the table is an essential need that millions of people throughout our communities struggle with every day. As a food retailer, helping provide nourishing meals to our neighbors in need is at the heart of who we are,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said. “It is our privilege to join our customers in helping to alleviate hunger and do good together for our communities.”

In addition, back in December 2020, Publix donated nearly 1.2 million lbs. of pasta, canned vegetables, canned beans, cereal and box potatoes, which were donated to six Feeding America member food banks that serve 46 counties in Florida, the company said.

“So many of our neighbors continue to struggle with having enough food to eat, but together, we can help change that,” Kelly Williams-Puccio, executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities said. “We are proud to continue our commitment of providing hope through nourishment for our neighbors in need.”

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Publix will bring back its Feeding More Together program from Nov. 4 to 15. The program most recently ran this past March, in which customers were able to donate nonperishable food items at the register.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of people turning to Feeding America member food banks for help, many of them for the first time,” Feeding America CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “We are incredibly grateful to Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities for finding new, innovative ways to help serve our neighbors and for their long-standing commitment to alleviating hunger.”

Lastly, the retailer shared that it will donate $5.5 million to 300 Feeding American member food banks and other nonprofit organizations this September through its Super Markets Charities arm.