Publix Super Markets Charities announced it will donate $5 million to more than 240 nonprofit organizations, including Feeding America member food banks, focused on alleviating hunger across Publix’s operating area. The donation will provide funding to assist these nonprofit organizations in the nourishment of children, seniors and families in need. Over the past four years, Publix Super Market Charities has contributed more than $17 million to hunger-related programs.

This generous donation continues Publix Super Markets Charities’ commitment to meeting the basic needs of the communities it serves. Food banks and other nonprofits are in need of funding to support feeding programs such as backpack programs, mobile and school pantries and senior meal programs. Refrigerated trucks are also needed to transport perishable items that are donated by food retailers. To help meet these needs, Feeding America and the following 32 member food banks within its network will receive a gift of $20,000 - $150,000 from the Foundation:

This funding will assist more than 11,000 agencies served by the member food banks. Feeding America will also receive a $25,000 donation.

“For more than 50 years, we have been nourishing the communities in which Publix operates,” said Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities. “Through these efforts, we’ve supported the plight of the hungry and homeless, recognizing the importance of proper nutrition and the access to food. Children, seniors and families should never have to wonder where they will find their next meal. Our Foundation is dedicated to providing more meals and giving more hope to our communities.”

According to the USDA, more than 41 million Americans live in food insecure households, including nearly 13 million children and 5 million seniors. Although food insecurity is harmful to any individual, it can be particularly devastating for children and seniors due to their increased vulnerability.

“Feeding America is thankful to Publix and Publix Charities for their long-standing commitment to fighting hunger in communities across the southeast,” said Matt Knott, president of Feeding America. “One in eight Americans are at risk of hunger. This investment in programs and infrastructure will help food banks and their agency partners provide millions of meals to children, seniors and families who need them most.”

Publix’s Perishable Recovery Program

Since 2007, Publix has had an in-store perishable recovery program to benefit the Feeding America network of food banks. Fresh departments across the store, including deli, meat, produce and dairy, gather perishable, wholesome foods that are safe for consumption, but unsalable, to donate to member food banks. To date, the company has donated more than 337 million pounds of perishable food to food banks, representing over 281 million meals. Due to these efforts, Feeding America named Publix an inaugural Visionary Partner in 2015.

“As a food retailer, our single biggest opportunity to give back is in alleviating hunger,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “Our perishable recovery program is just one example of our associates’ commitment to make our communities a better place. By donating much needed wholesome foods, we’re helping our local food banks and nonprofit organizations meet the needs of children, seniors and families in our communities.”