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Publix purchases produce, milk from farmers impacted by pandemic

Products donated to feed food-insecure families across the Southeast

Russell Redman

April 23, 2020

3 Min Read
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After making its first Feeding America delivery Wednesday in Miami, Publix made deliveries to another 16 food banks in Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.Publix Super Markets

Publix Super Markets has launched a program to buy fresh produce and milk directly from farmers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and donate the products to food banks.

Publix said Thursday that, so far, it has purchased more than 275,000 pounds of produce and more than 43,000 gallons of milk and donated it to Feeding America member food banks in the grocer’s Southeastern operating area. After the first delivery yesterday in Miami, Publix made deliveries to another 16 food banks in Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. 

The initiative, which got under way last week, is expected to run for several weeks, according to Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix. The company noted that the program will support not only Florida produce farmers and dairy farmers in the Southeast but also the rising number of families looking to Feeding America for fresh fruit, vegetables and milk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a food retailer, we have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the needs of families and farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “In this time of uncertainty, we are grateful to be able to help Florida’s produce farmers, southeastern dairies and families in our communities.”

Related:Publix deploys contactless payment for extra COVID-19 safety

With reports of farmers discarding produce and milk not being sold, largely because of school, restaurant and hotel closings amid the pandemic, Publix said it aims to provide some relief to both the farming community and local food bank partners.

“We are thrilled about Publix’s initiative to buy additional milk from Southeast Milk for processing and donation to Feeding America member food banks,” said Southeast Milk Inc. President Joe Wright. “It’s a win-win for our farmers who are feeling the impact of decreased demand and the families who are in need of nutrient-rich milk during this pandemic.”

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So far Publix has purchased more than 275,000 pounds of produce and more than 43,000 gallons of milk and donated it to Feeding America member food banks.

Right now, Florida farmers are “in a time of need,” according to Peter Pero IV, CEO of Pero Family Farms Food Co.

“We are humbled Publix is purchasing additional fresh vegetables from us and other local farms to donate to food banks throughout the Southeast,” Pero stated. “Thank you to Publix, the participating food banks and their volunteers for making this initiative possible for those less fortunate while supporting local farms.”

An estimated 17.1 million people will experience food insecurity as a result of school closures and escalating unemployment during the COVID-19 crisis, Feeding America reported.

“As we respond to the coronavirus pandemic, Publix understands that more families are turning to us to help put food, especially fresh produce and milk, on their tables,” commented Feeding South Florida President and CEO Paco Velez. “We’re grateful to Publix for not only supporting growers, but also for their years of support of Feeding South Florida.”

Related:Publix leaps into club membership game with Club Publix

In March, Publix Super Markets Charities announced a $1 million donation to Feeding America food banks in the Southeast and then followed it up with another $1 million contribution last week.

“In addition to providing much needed produce and milk to food banks, this initiative provides financial support to farmers during this challenging time,” Jones added about the produce and milk purchasing program. “We’re honored to be able to work with these groups and do good together for our communities.”

Overall, Publix operates 1,242 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

For our most up-to-date coverage, visit the coronavirus homepage.

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Publix Super Markets

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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