On September 1, Publix Super Markets Charities presented Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida with a check for $225,000 to assist the food bank’s ongoing response efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Since mid-March, Second Harvest has been distributing enough food for 300,000 meals per day – double what the nonprofit was providing before COVID-19 shut down the tourism and hospitality industries. As a major supporter of Second Harvest’s efforts, Publix has provided nearly $351,000 in monetary contributions, 1.9 million pounds of shelf-stable products and 1.2 million pounds of fresh produce to help fight hunger in the last fiscal year.
“It has been our privilege to support hunger relief throughout the Southeast for many years now, and this work has never been more important,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and to alleviate hunger in the communities we serve and bring hope to those who need it most during these uncertain times.”
The $225,000 donation from Publix Charities to Second Harvest is one of several donations made this year to help provide food and other essential support to those hardest hit by the pandemic. In all, Publix Charities has donated $5 million to Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit partners in 2020.
