5K-Plus Publix Associates Volunteer

More than 5,500 employees throughout Publix Super Markets’ six-state footprint volunteered on Tuesday with 150-plus area nonprofits dedicated mainly to hunger relief and helping the homeless. The companywide day of service marked National Volunteer Month in April.

The day of service was also an extension of Publix’s $5.5 million-plus contribution to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the grocer’s operating area, as well as the $5 million donation to Feeding America and their member food banks by Publix Super Markets Charities in 2016. Publix aimed to have associates volunteer to build homes where feasible to complement the foundation’s gifts. Other employees aided youth and education projects, which are also key elements of Publix’s philanthropy.

“Publix Serves celebrates our associates and embraces our communities,” said Maria Brous, director of media and community relations at Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix. “Community service is ingrained in our culture – it’s who we are. We are one company united through servant leadership. There is nothing more gratifying than to hear and see the impact our associates make in our communities each and every day.”

The company introduced Publix Serves in 2015 to bring together its employees in community service projects.

Privately owned and operated by its 190,000 employees, Publix has 1,146 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.