LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix reached a milestone Tuesday after donating 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks.
Since 2020, Publix's produce donations have gone to 35 food banks across the country, including more than 51 million pounds to seven food banks in Florida, the company said in a news release.
Those food banks are:
- Feeding Northeast Florida (Jacksonville) - 8,329,983 pounds
- Feeding South Florida (Pembroke Park) - 8,881,799 pounds
- Feeding Tampa Bay (Tampa) - 7,919,702 pounds
- Harry Chapin Food Bank (Fort Meyers) - 7,689,753 pounds
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (Orlando) - 5,636,393 pounds
- Second Harvest of the Big Bend (Tallahassee) - 5,529,208 pounds
- Treasure Coast Food Bank (Fort Pierce) - 7,615,110 pounds
The supermarket chain began purchasing produce at the height of the pandemic to help struggling farmers and provide fresh fruits and vegetables to its food bank partners.
Publix officials said the amount of produce donated could fill six Publix stores wall to wall.
“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 said in a statement. “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 CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot added: “Feeding America is deeply grateful for our partnership with Publix and for the generosity they continue to demonstrate.
"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."
To find out more about Publix's donation numbers across the United States, click here.
