HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — In March of 2021 Publix launched its “Feeding More Together” program in response to a critical food shortage created by the pandemic.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of people turning to Feeding America member food banks for help, many of them for the first time,” said Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. “We are incredibly grateful to Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities for finding new, innovative ways to help serve our neighbors and for their long-standing commitment to alleviating hunger.”
The first Feeding More Together campaign raised nearly $5 million in customer donations and was matched by Publix for a total of nearly $10 million nationally in much-needed support. This provided 100 million meals to Feeding America-member food banks and other hunger relief organizations. Feeding America says that nearly one in nine Americans face food insecurity.
Since April 2020, Publix has donated more than 33 million pounds of produce to member food banks through its Farmers and Families Initiative. Publix purchased and donated more than 18 million pounds of produce and 500,000 gallons of milk as a part of the initiative since its launch in 2020.
From November 4th-15th, join FOX54 in supporting Publix and their “Feeding More Together” program to help alleviate hunger in the Tennessee Valley. Here’s how you can help your fellow neighbor!
How does Feeding More Together work?
· You can make your donation at any Publix location.
· Customers donate any dollar amount at the register which will be awarded to local food banks as retail dollar credits.
· Food banks can redeem those credits to purchase from a select group of high-need Publix-branded items.
· This provides food banks the flexibility to select the items they need most rather than Publix (or customers) choosing items for them.
· Publix will purchase an equivalent value of FRESH produce and will donate that produce to Feeding America member food banks.
· ALL DONATIONS go to local food banks to combat food insecurity
Who does Feeding More Together Help?
As the holidays approach, Publix along with its community partners, like Food Bank of North Alabama, are committed to hunger relief in local counties across the region. Last year, they provided 11 million meals to individuals affected by food insecurity. The Food Bank of North Alabama and its community partners work with locally operated grocery stores and farmers as well as the FDA and individual donors. There is no charge for the food and household supplies distributed to the public.
The Food Bank of North Alabama, along with its 225 partners, serve 11 counties across North Alabama. They currently have around 164,000 individuals who are considered food insecure, according to Shirley Schofield, Executive Director.
Local food banks supported by "Feeding More Together" include:
· Food Bank of North Alabama
· Community Action Partnership of North Alabama LCCI (Limestone County Churches Involved)
· Life Source
· Marshall County Christian Services
· Shoals Dream Center
· Cullman Caring for Kids