Publix hosted its inaugural hunger summit Feb. 23 at its headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, bringing together executives from 35 Feeding America member food banks in the company’s operating area, as well as state and federal officials. Publix leaders shared best practices in talent acquisition, sourcing, warehousing and distribution.
“Our summit provided an opportunity to build stronger connections and, together, find better ways to accomplish a united purpose – feeding even more people in need in the communities we serve,” said Todd Jones, CEO.
Attendees also heard from special guests, including U.S. Representatives Darren Soto and Laurel Lee and U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Southeast Regional Administrator Willie C. Taylor.
During the summit, representatives from Publix Super Markets Charities announced a $4 million grant opportunity available to select food banks in Publix’s operating area to fund non-recurring, capacity-building projects. This grant opportunity is in addition to PSMC’s annual hunger alleviation donations announced in September during Hunger Action Month. It will bring the organization’s total contributions to help alleviate hunger to more than $46 million since 2015.
“We are grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for their continued generosity in helping to alleviate hunger,” Jones said.
Attendees also heard an update on PSMC’s donation to fund 22 mobile food pantries. The mobile food pantries will help these agencies provide food to the people they serve. Publix is donating more than 10 million pounds of produce to stock 20 of the mobile pantries in their first year of operation.
Publix is holding its Feeding More Together register campaign in stores through March 5 and, as part of the spring FMT campaign, will donate $5 million in fresh produce.
To view the full photo gallery from the summit presented by The Shelby Report, click here.
