Publix reaches milestone, donating 100 million pounds of produce to help feed neighbors in need
LAKELAND, Fla., May 14, 2024 — Publix has donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to help feed neighbors 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.
“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,” said 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.”
“Feeding America is deeply grateful for our partnership with Publix and for the generosity they continue to demonstrate,” said Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. “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.”
Donations in North Carolina
Since 2020, Publix has donated 11,806,294 pounds of produce to seven food banks in North Carolina:
Food Bank Name | Food Bank City | Receiving Produce Since | Pounds Donated |
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina | Raleigh | 2020 | 3,273,549 |
Food Bank of the Albemarle | Elizabeth City | 2023 | 206,955 |
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle | Raleigh | 2023 | 218,561 |
MANNA FoodBank | Asheville |
2023 |
359,845 |
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina | Charlotte | 2020 |
4,716,533 |
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina | Winston-Salem | 2021 | 2,487,284 |
Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina | Fayetteville | 2020 | 543,567 |
Other ways Publix feeds its neighbors facing hunger
This milestone is only part of the company’s commitment to making a difference across its operating area. 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 its Good Together 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. Feeding America recognizes Publix as a Feeding America Visionary Partner for its contributions to partner food banks.