Lakeland, Florida-based Publix Super Markets and its charity foundation have announced plans to extend their commitment to help alleviate hunger in the communities Publix serves.
Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities have pledged $23 million to support hunger alleviation by the end of 2023, including a commitment to provide more than 10 million pounds of produce to stock 20 of the mobile pantries in their first year of operation.
In September, PSMC announced a $5.65 million donation to 328 food banks and other nonprofits focused on hunger alleviation. To further those efforts, PSMC has donated an additional $3.85 million to 22 Feeding America member food banks for each to purchase and equip a mobile food pantry.
The mobile food pantries will help these agencies provide fresh food. People will be able to “shop” these free pantries, allowing them to choose the foods that meet their needs. With these contributions, PSMC has donated $9.5 million in 2022 to support hunger relief organizations.
“As Americans continue to face hunger, we wanted to do more to help get much-needed meals onto the plates of our neighbors,” said Todd Jones, Publix CEO.
“In conjunction with Publix Charities, we’re proud to extend our commitment to helping alleviate hunger through these donations and the introduction of a hunger summit. We remain dedicated to doing good together to provide nourishing meals for people in need in our communities.”
Publix will host a hunger summit in February for Feeding America member food banks in the company’s operating area. The summit’s goal is to provide a forum for open discussion and sharing of best practices in areas including logistics, warehousing and transportation.
“This donation will be instrumental for so many people who face hunger every day,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Feeding America CEO. “Access to nutrition is a foundational need for everyone to be successful. We’re grateful to both Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities for their continued partnership and commitment to help alleviate hunger.”
