Publix Produce Partners Raise Money For Food Banks

The healthy eating-focused Produce for Kids campaign with Publix Super Markets launched June 2 and will raise money for local Feeding America member food banks and offer Publix shoppers healthy meal solutions, recipes and tips.

The 2015 campaign was able to supply more than 2.2 million meals to local families in need. To date, the Produce for Kids and Publix partnership has raised more than $2.7 million to benefit local charities within the six-state Publix footprint.

The Publix and Produce for Kids campaign, which will run through June 29, is supported by 13 participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers, representing nearly every major category of fresh produce. Publix grocery shoppers are encouraged to support these brands by eating more nutritious fruits and vegetables. Shoppers can join the Publix Produce for Kids event group on Facebook to receive real-time updates on campaign happenings.

“At Publix, we have a strong charitable mission to help improve the quality of children’s lives in our local communities,” said Maria Brous, media and community relations director for Publix. “We are proud to partner with Produce for Kids on an effort that encourages our shoppers to introduce more fresh fruits and vegetables to their families while supporting local families and children in need.”

In-store displays and signs, featuring the Produce for Kids and Feeding America logo, will be placed in Publix produce departments. Signage will direct shoppers to the web site, featuring more than 300 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes, meal planning tools, grocery store-specific campaign details, healthy tips and a chance to win a Publix grocery gift card.

Additionally, shoppers are encouraged to share their own healthy recipes and ideas during the campaign using the hashtag #produceforkids.

“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Publix to educate families about the benefits of eating nutritious produce,” said John Shuman, president of Produce for Kids. “We are extremely proud of the $2.7 million we have raised thus far to support children and families in the Publix market area and are excited to partner again with Publix to help put an end to hunger.”

Suppliers participating in the Publix and Produce for Kids campaign include: Avocados from Mexico – Mexican Hass Avocados; Buddy Fruits Pure Blended Fruit; Brandt/HMC California peaches, plums and nectarines; Coast Tropical Mangos; Crunch Pak Sliced Apples; Driscoll’s Raspberries; Del Monte Foods – Fruit Naturals Cups; Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine; Minute Maid – Pure Squeezed Orange Juice; RealSweet Vidalia Onions; J&D Produce Inc. – Little Bear Brand Vidalia Sweet Onions; Paramount Farms – Wonderful Pistachios; and Ventura Foods – Marie’s Dressings.

The campaign will raise money for local Feeding America member food banks. For more information about the Publix and Produce for Kids campaign, visit www.produceforkids.com/publix.