Publix reaches milestone, donating 100 million pounds of produce to help feed neighbors in need

LAKELAND, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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.”

What 100 million pounds looks like

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. Delivering this amount of produce would require nearly 1,400 fully loaded Publix trailers.

Donations by state

Since 2020, Publix has donated more than 100 million pounds of produce to 35 food banks.

Alabama

 

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

Birmingham

2020

3,474,696

Feeding the Gulf Coast

Theodore

2023

80,847

Food Bank of North Alabama

Huntsville

2020

2,682,098

Heart of Alabama Food Bank

Montgomery

2021

2,235,286

Total:

8,472,927

 
 

Florida

 

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Feeding Northeast Florida

Jacksonville

2020

8,329,983

Feeding South Florida

Pembroke Park

2020

8,881,799

Feeding Tampa Bay

Tampa

2020

7,919,702

Harry Chapin Food Bank

Fort Myers

2020

7,689,753

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Orlando

2021

5,636,393

Second Harvest of the Big Bend

Tallahassee

2021

5,529,208

Treasure Coast Food Bank

Fort Pierce

2020

7,615,110

Total:

51,601,948

 
 

Georgia

 

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Atlanta Community Food Bank

East Point

2020

3,519,781

Feeding the Valley Food Bank

Midland

2020

4,306,320

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Athens

2020

770,204

Golden Harvest Food Bank

Augusta

2020

638,656

Middle Georgia Community Food Bank

Macon

2020

2,096,176

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

Savannah

2023

75,693

Second Harvest of South Georgia

Valdosta

2023

75,311

Total:

11,482,141

 

Kentucky

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Dare to Care Food Bank

Louisville

2021

2,575,962

Total:

2,575,962

 

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

Total:

11,806,294

 

South Carolina

 

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Harvest Hope Food Bank

Columbia

2023

393,534

Lowcountry Food Bank

North Charleston

2020

4,237,940

Total:

4,631,474

 
 

Tennessee

 

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Chattanooga Area Food Bank

Chattanooga

2020

643,826

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee

Maryville

2020

1,878,068

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

Nashville

2020

3,153,411

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee

Blountville

2023

358,730

Total:

6,034,035

 

Virginia

 

Food Bank Name

Food Bank City

Receiving Produce Since

Pounds Donated

Feed More

Richmond

2020

2,915,391

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank

Fredericksburg

2023

360,653

Virginia Peninsula Foodbank

Hampton

2023

313,835

Total:

3,589,879

 

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.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,376 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 27 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

Contacts

Maria Brous

(863) 680-5339

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