Giving is a Publix tradition rooted in a spirit of generosity imparted by company founder (and, of course, fellow Lakelander) George Jenkins.
What is now known as Publix Super Market Charities started in 1966 as a foundation established by Jenkins to support the grocery store’s communities. Today, Publix donates millions of dollars to thousands of organizations and causes — and the impact is both immense and far reaching.
Here are six ways Publix supports the Lakeland community (and beyond).
Publix Serves
Fun fact: April 21-27 is Publix Serves Week — a twice-yearly event that activates 7,000+ Publix employees to better local communities through a week of volunteering. Projects include cleaning parks, planting trees, packaging food for the hungry + more.
Publix Super Market Charities
Publix Super Markets Charities undertakes massive giving efforts by donating millions to local organizations. Focus areas include alleviating hunger, reducing homelessness, supporting youth and education programs, and helping nonprofits improve their communities.
Hunger alleviation
In addition to contributing more than $42 million to hunger-related programs since 2015, Publix’s Food Donation Program gives non-salable (but still edible) dairy, deli, meat, and produce to Feeding America food banks — giving the food insecure nutritious options and reducing food waste.
Water Stewardship
If we don’t protect the Everglades’ precious water ecosystem, who will? Publix supports the National Audubon Society, National Park Foundation, and Arbor Day Foundation to protect, conserve + restore the Everglades and other major Florida water resources.
United Way
In 2022 alone, Publix donated $52.1 million to United Way to help the organization support the efforts of community volunteers and agencies who positively impact neighbors in need — from delivering meals to seniors to helping those with physical and mental disabilities, and more.
Register Campaigns
Here’s where you come in. Throughout the year, Publix hosts Register Campaigns, where Lakelanders can donate to causes or organizations like the Special Olympics, Children’s Miracle Network + more. See the environmental programs you can support at the register during April’s Good Together Environmental campaign (coinciding with Publix Serves Week).
Poll
If you could volunteer anywhere, in which service area would you volunteer? Let us know.
