More than 40 Publix associates and store managers from 12 area stores spent Sept. 22 volunteering at United Food Bank and Services in Plant City as part of the company’s Publix Serves initiative.
The visit also came with a major boost for the food bank. Publix Super Markets Charities presented the organization with a $60,000 contribution to strengthen hunger-relief efforts across eastern Hillsborough County.
John Doran, executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities, joined associates and local store leaders for the presentation. Publix Super Markets Charities, the grocery chain’s charitable foundation, supports organizations focused on hunger relief, education and other community needs.
Throughout the day, volunteers worked on a range of projects that keep the food bank running. They assembled Kids Weekend Bags for students at 26 local schools, sorted fresh produce and shelf-stable food, prepared beverage bags and handed out meal boxes to families. Others pitched in on behind-the-scenes tasks that help the organization carry out its mission.
The work touched nearly every part of the food bank’s operation, from the warehouse floor to the distribution line.
The Kids Weekend Bags are designed to help students who may not have enough to eat at home when school meals are not available, such as over the weekend.
The impact reaches well beyond a single day. United Food Bank and Services serves about 15,000 people each month, and the Publix donation will help provide food and other essential resources to local children, families, seniors and veterans.
Since 1991, the nonprofit has served as a lifeline for individuals and families facing hunger and hardship. Its mission is to help people move from “a state of hunger” to self-sufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance.
Through its Feeding Our Community program, the food bank offers daily on-site food distribution along with targeted outreach in underserved neighborhoods.
Publix Serves is the company’s volunteer program, which encourages associates to give back in the communities where they live and work.
The food bank relies on donations and volunteers to keep up with demand. Contributions, according to the organization, help do more than fill empty plates; they help create lasting change.
For more information or to donate, visit https://ufbpc.org/ or follow @UnitedFoodBankAndServices on social media.
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