Food Insecurity Relief Publix Charities Pledges $15 Million
Publix Super Markets, its associates, and Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) are taking bold steps during Hunger Action Month to support communities facing food insecurity across the company’s operating area. In its latest initiative, PSMC announced a $15 million donation to more than 400 local food banks and nonprofit organizations, including 40 food banks affiliated with Feeding America®.
The donation will strengthen ongoing efforts to address hunger in meaningful ways, supporting initiatives such as weekend backpack programs for children, community food pantries, and meal delivery services for seniors and families in need. Importantly, a portion of the funds will also help Feeding America partner food banks make one-time investments in critical infrastructure, including the purchase of refrigerated trucks, delivery vehicles, and capital improvements that will expand their long-term capacity. With this latest commitment, PSMC’s total investment to combat hunger has now surpassed $78 million since 2015.
Publix Associates Step Up During Serves Week
In addition to charitable contributions, Publix associates are actively volunteering their time to support their neighbors in need. During Publix Serves Week, held September 14–21, more than 8,000 associates will donate their time at nearly 150 community organizations across the grocer’s eight-state operating area. These volunteer activities range from sorting and distributing food at local food banks to stocking shelves at food pantries and preparing meal kits for vulnerable families.
“For 95 years, we’ve made it our mission to be responsible citizens in the communities where we operate and are committed to helping them thrive,” said Kevin Murphy, CEO of Publix. “With the generous support of Publix Charities, we can make the most impactful difference by helping to get food into the hands of people who need it the most. We’re proud to do good, together.”
Murphy emphasized that while financial donations are essential, the personal involvement of associates strengthens Publix’s ability to make a tangible difference. Their volunteerism reflects the company’s culture of service and its commitment to creating thriving, resilient communities.
Ongoing Hunger-Relief Efforts
The $15 million donation and Serves Week activities are only the latest in a series of hunger-relief initiatives that Publix supports throughout the year. The company operates a broad network of programs aimed at reducing food waste, supporting food banks, and engaging customers in hunger-relief campaigns.
Good Together Food Donation Program
One of Publix’s cornerstone efforts is the Good Together food donation program, which ensures that safe, unsold food is redirected to Feeding America partner food banks and local hunger-relief agencies. These donations include meat, dairy, and bakery products that are no longer salable but remain safe for consumption.
The scope of this program has grown significantly. In 2023, Publix expanded the program to include more than 4,000 additional products eligible for donation, ranging from packaged goods to household staples. Since its inception in 2009, Good Together has facilitated the donation of more than 1 billion pounds of food, underscoring Publix’s role as one of the largest private contributors of food in the Southeast.
Fresh Produce Donation Program
Recognizing the importance of access to healthy, nutritious foods, Publix launched a separate produce donation program in 2020. Through this initiative, the company works directly with farmers and suppliers to redirect fresh fruits and vegetables to food banks. To date, the program has contributed over 150 million pounds of fresh produce, ensuring that struggling families not only receive food but also gain access to healthy options that support long-term wellbeing.
Customer Engagement Through Hunger Campaigns
Twice a year, Publix engages both associates and customers through the Good Together hunger campaign, inviting them to donate toward providing fresh produce and nonperishable food items to local food banks. These campaigns amplify Publix’s impact by turning everyday shopping trips into opportunities for community giving. The next campaign is scheduled to run in stores from November 12–23, just ahead of the holiday season when the demand for food assistance often spikes.
Publix’s Broader Commitment to Community
Publix’s hunger-relief efforts are part of its broader mission to be a responsible and engaged corporate citizen. As the largest employee-owned company in the United States, Publix currently employs more than 260,000 associates and operates 1,416 stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky.
The company’s reputation for excellence extends beyond its grocery operations. For 28 consecutive years, Publix has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the nation’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” This recognition reflects not only its commitment to superior customer service but also its dedication to creating a supportive, people-first workplace culture.
By combining charitable giving, large-scale food donation programs, and employee volunteerism, Publix and PSMC are addressing food insecurity through a multifaceted strategy. Their approach recognizes that hunger is not only about the availability of food but also about accessibility, nutrition, and community resilience.
