Publix, A Supermarket Chain Owned By Employees, Buys Produce From Farmers And Donates It Directly To Food Banks

Supermarket News

The coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of lives, and not just those who are  afflicted. Economies have been devastated, including the US. Daily wage earners up to the middle-class have been pushed to the edge of food insecurity and poverty. Work is scarce due to the lockdown and quarantine measures set-up. But sadly, even farmers are affected, some have resorted to dumping produce and milk, drastic measures to cope with overproduction and falling prices.


But to help people cope with the pandemic, Publix, an employee-owned US supermarket chain has vowed to begin buying produce from farmers, and donating it directly to the food banks of Feeding America, which is a non-profit organization aimed at addressing hunger in America. Milk, vegetables, and fruits are initially targeted by the supermarket chain, to help solve the farmers’ dilemma of overproduction and falling prices. So their efforts are two-fold – help the hungry and poor, as well as the farmers who need to sell their produce. Food has become a problem for many who lost their jobs, and rely on charities and government help for basic necessities.

The supermarket chain expects to purchase and donate around 43,500 gallons of milk and 150,000 pounds of produce during the first week of the program, which will continue for several weeks. Todd Jones, Publix CEO, had this to say: As a food retailer, we have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the needs of families and farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In this time of uncertainty, we are grateful to be able to help Florida’s produce farmers, southeastern dairies, and families in our communities.”

Washington Post

Times are hard, schools have been closed, restaurant and hospitality industries are hard hit, and citizens have to cope with stay-at-home rules and social distancing. Safety is of the utmost importance, but there is a conflict with helping the economy survive. Even farmers across the US face a dire situation which could severely damage US agriculture.

Peter F. Pero IV, CEO of Pero Family Farms Food Co.,was quoted as saying, “ Like so many others right now , Florida farmers are in a time of need. We are humbled Publix is purchasing additional fresh vegetables from us and other local farms to donate to food banks.” He further added, “Thank you to Publix, the participating food banks and their volunteers for making this initiative possible for those less fortunate while supporting local farms.”

The Atlantic

The timely initiative comes just as Feeding America warned that the pandemic could raise the number of food insecure Americans to unequalled heights. A report entitled The Impact of the Coronavirus on Child Food Insecurity, states that the number of food insecure children could swell up to 18 million, the highest total ever since the USDA began measuring food security some 25 years ago. The peak of the Great Recession in 2009 currently holds the record at 17.2 million. And, in another report, The Impact of the Coronavirus on Food Insecurity, also warns of a worst-case scenario of 17.1 million individuals becoming food-insecure, which will eventually lead to more COVID-19 afflictions, and more severe cases.

The purchases and donations of Publix amounts to about $2 million in support of Feeding America. “In addition to providing much needed produce and milk to food banks, this initiative provides financial support to farmers during this challenging time. We’re honored to be able to work with these groups and do good together for our communities,”  Todd Jones of Publix announced.


The world could learn from this US supermarket chain…it’s all about helping each other. Hopefully others support the initiative, not just in Florida, not just in America, but wherever the need is great. It may eventually lead to the elimination of hunger all over due to the pandemic, and help economies recover.

 

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