LAKELAND, FL - Imagine 100 million pounds of produce, and then imagine that produce going into the communities we hold most dear in our industry. That’s precisely what Publix has done with its most recent milestone of donating 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks.

“As a grocery retailer, we can make our largest impact by helping feed our neighbors in need. Donating 100 million pounds of produce is an example of the difference Publix associates make year-round,” said Publix Chief Executive Officer Kevin Murphy. “I am proud of this innovative program and how we continue to find new ways to support the communities we serve, but our work is not done. We look forward to continuing to provide our food bank partners with produce throughout the year.”

According to a press release, this is a significant moment in the company’s ongoing commitment to help feed neighbors facing food insecurity.

Publix began purchasing produce in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to help struggling farmers and provide additional fresh fruits and vegetables to its food bank partners.

“Feeding America is deeply grateful for our partnership with Publix and for the generosity they continue to demonstrate,” said Feeding America Chief Executive Officer Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. “Their contribution of 100 million pounds of fresh produce makes a meaningful difference to people facing food insecurity. We look forward to continuing to work together in the movement to end hunger.”

I’ll leave you with this image: 100 million pounds of produce could fill six Publix stores from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Now that’s an achievement!

HOUSTON, TX - Curious to see how the efforts made by Brighter Bites contributed to increased produce consumption? You're in luck, as the organization just released its 2023 annual report.

“I am so appreciative for the unwavering commitment and support to our mission from all of our donors and partners at every level of our organization,” said Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we have made significant strides in addressing health and food insecurity by providing fresh fruits and vegetables along with vital nutrition education to under-resourced families in our communities. This results in creating new consumers for the produce industry and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. In the face of challenges, your support and generosity has been a beacon of hope. Thank you for your extraordinary support!"

The report includes Brighter Bites’ financials, the partnerships that make its mission possible, information about the unique produce distributed, and a general look back at 2023. The annual report also contains information about plans for 2024.

Key highlights found within the report include:

• Over 8,000,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables were distributed in the eleven cities across the country which Brighter Bites serves, a 12 percent increase from 2022
• There were 2,735,333 total family and classroom encounters where Brighter Bites staff interacted directly with families and students at produce distribution and in the classroom, a 26 percent increase from 2022
• The organization received 6,796,759 pounds of in-kind donations from food banks and produce industry partners in 2023, a 5 percent increase from 2022

“At the heart of our mission is the belief that access to fresh produce and nutrition education are fundamental rights for all individuals and families, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” said Lisa Helfman, Founder. “Over the course of the past year, we have been able to make tangible differences in the lives of countless families across the country.”

In 2023, Brighter Bites launched the Produce RX Program as part of its partnership with UTHealth and DoorDash, opened programming in San Antonio and Phoenix, and coordinated over 18,630 hours of volunteer work.

Brighter Bites’ 2023 annual report can be downloaded here.

Congratulations on these impressive milestones!

BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart made an announcement earlier this week that it plans to cut hundreds of corporate jobs and move its remote workers to in-office.

“We believe that being together, in person, makes us better,” said Chief People Officer Donna Morris in a memo sent to staff on Tuesday detailing the changes. She went on to say that it helps “strengthen our culture as well as grow and develop our associates.”

Morris did not provide comment on the layoffs.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, workers in tech-focused offices in Dallas, Atlanta, and Toronto, Canada, are being asked to relocate to other central hubs. Walmart will still allow staff to work remotely part of the time, as long as they are in offices the majority of the time.

Walmart’s recent shuttering of its health clinics is an indication of where it has cut costs this year, the source went on to note.

How will this shake out for the retailer’s overarching strategy in the coming months? We’ll be here to report.