TAMPA, Fla. — Publix was recently ranked No. 15 out of 100 companies in the "Companies that Care in 2024" list from PEOPLE Magazine.
The supermarket that originated in Florida made the "Companies That Care in 2024" list for helping its employees and the communities they live and work in especially in times of need, according to the magazine.
Writers highlighted one store in Fort Myers Beach for their recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian in 2022. The store was forced to close for months, but when it reopened, associates gave out care packages to the first 300 customers. Staff also provided boxed lunches to residents and construction crew who were working to rebuild homes.
“At Publix, we remain committed to standing side-by-side with residents and our associates as the community rebuilds,” said Lindsey W., Publix media relations manager at the time.
Publix also donated $5,000 in food, hygiene items, paper products and other items to help recovery efforts.
“We’re honored to be recognized as a company focused on taking care of others,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous in a statement. “Our founder, George Jenkins, believed in the importance of being there for both his associates and the community. More than 90 years later, we’re honored to continue his legacy of service.”
The annual list is created by magazine staff and staff from Great Place to Work. They collaborate to survey companies across the country to find ones that demonstrate respect, care and concern for their employees, communities and the environment. The rankings are based on more than one million survey responses, according to PEOPLE.
Another Tampa Bay-area company also made the list at No. 8. BayCare Health System was recognized for providing discharged patients with "healing bags" full of nonperishable items if they don't have enough food at home.
“We strive to bridge the gap between hunger and health, treating food insecurity as we would any other barrier to well-being,” says Lisa Bell, BayCare’s director of Community Benefit, whose team has helped drive implementation of the initiatives across the system. “By addressing this fundamental need, we are not only nourishing bodies but also fostering stronger, healthier communities.”
The company that took home the No. 1 spot was Cisco for committing millions in grant funding to combat homelessness in California.
To read the full top 100 list, click here.