Are you familiar with our Publix mission statement? At Publix, we are intolerant of waste and involved as responsible citizens in our community. By establishing our Perishable Recovery Program, we’re able to stay connected to our local communities and area food banks. In 2007, Publix started our in-store perishable recovery program. This program began with the Feeding America network of food banks. The fresh departments across our stores, including deli, meat, produce and dairy, gather perishable, wholesome foods that are safe for consumption but unsalable, and donate them to member food banks. In 2010, this program was launched company wide. To date, Publix has donated more than 525 million pounds of perishable food and more than 400 million meals to food banks through the Perishable Recovery Program.

Our founder, George Jenkins, believed in giving. From the day he opened his first Publix store, he made sure associates, customers and communities were taken care of. In 1966, Mr. George established the foundation with the vision it would continue giving long after he was gone. To this day, the Publix Super Markets Charities foundation remains committed to serving the communities in which Publix operates.

“As a food retailer, our single biggest opportunity to give back is in alleviating hunger,” said Maria Brous, Publix Director of Corporate Communications. “Our Perishable Recovery Program is just one example of our associates’ commitment to make our communities a better place. By donating much needed wholesome foods, we’re helping our local food banks, schools and nonprofit organizations meet the needs of children and families in our communities.”

Y ou can find more information about Publix Super Markets Charities’ support for food banks, and read one family’s inspiring story here.

Donations from partners like Publix help community food banks work to end hunger. Second Harvest’s Grocery Alliance Program is an organization that supports more than 550 nonprofit feeding programs – such as soup kitchens, shelters and emergency food pantries. The program collects items that might normally go to waste and puts them in the hands of people who need them. In 2015, this program provided more than 18 million meals to those in need.

Due to these efforts, Feeding America named Publix a Visionary Partner in 2015. What are some activities your family enjoys doing while giving back to the community?