LAKELAND, FL - Publix is re-joining forces with Produce for Kids to promote fruits and vegetables and provide healthy options for those who need them most. Today kicks off the duo’s campaign to raise funds for local Feeding America® member food banks.
“At Publix, we want to help our customers meet their health and wellness goals by offering a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in our stores,” said Maria Brous, Media and Community Relations Director for Publix. “We are proud to partner with Produce for Kids on an effort that helps families make better choices to meet their lifestyle needs while supporting our communities.”
Now entering its sixteenth year, the campaign is celebrating more than 3.6 million meals donated (every $1 donated to Feeding America helps secure at least 10 meals on behalf of member food banks) to families in need and more than $546,000 for Feeding America programs that benefit families and children in Publix market areas. The Publix partnership has raised, in total, more than $3.2 million to benefit local charities within the seven-state Publix footprint since 2002, according to a press release.
“Over 16 years, the Publix produce department has worked year over year to raise nearly $3.2 million,” said Trish James, Vice President of Produce for Kids. “Our shared vision has allowed the campaign to educate customers on the value of fresh produce while supporting children and families in the Publix market area.”
The campaign runs through Oct. 24, and Publix shoppers will have access to registered dietitian-approved healthy meal solutions, recipes, and content. The event is supported by six participating fresh fruit and vegetable companies, including the following:
- Avocados From Mexico
- CrunchPak®
- Del Monte® Foods
- Little Bear®
- Marie’s®
- Michigan Apples
Publix customers are encouraged to support these brands by eating more nutritious fruits and vegetables, and can identify them through in-store signage, featuring the Produce for Kids and Feeding America logos, displayed in Publix produce departments.
Signage directs customers to produceforkids.com/publix, which the group said features more than 450 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes, meal planning tools, grocery store-specific campaign details and healthy tips.
Customers are also encouraged to share healthy recipes from their own kitchen and inspiration during the campaign using the hashtag #produceforkids.
The campaign will raise funds for local Feeding America member food banks including: Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Montgomery Area Food Bank, and many more.
