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April 15, 2025 — Publix Super Markets honored Miami Division Customer Service Team Leader Steven Ferreiro with a 2025 Mr. George Community Service Award at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Ferreiro began working in his community at a young age by helping with food drives for his church. In high school, he was motivated to help others by assisting with food distribution through his school.

“The majority of my Friday nights were spent helping my community,” said Ferreiro. “I used to sit in my bunk bed and dream of projects I could do to help.”

In 2019, he founded his own nonprofit organization, Helping Others and Giving Hope.

Ferreiro helped provide temporary housing to two ICU nurses who lost their homes in a fire in 2020, which allowed Helping Others and Giving Hope to soar. The story landed him an appearance on a national daytime show where his organization received a $30,000 donation, which helped him build a mobile food pantry.

“We’ve been able to raise over $200,000 to give back to the community,” said Ferreiro. “It’s an incredible achievement that we couldn’t have accomplished alone.”

Ferreiro was brought to tears and humbled when he learned he had been selected as a recipient of the award.

“Receiving this award has inspired me to keep going,” said Ferreiro. “I want to inspire my fellow associates to do big things and give back to their communities.”

In the future, Ferreiro hopes to establish a brick-and-mortar pantry for Helping Others and Giving Hope.

About Steven

Ferreiro began his Publix career in 2020 as a front service clerk in Miami. He transferred to work as a produce clerk before moving back to customer service, where he was a cashier and customer service staff. In 2024, he was promoted to customer service team leader.

About the award

Each year, one associate from each retail division and one support associate are recognized with the Mr. George Community Service Award. The associates are actively involved in their communities and represent the generous spirit of Publix founder George Jenkins.

Other award recipients

Ferreiro joined the rest of this year’s Mr. George Community Service Award recipients, who were