Publix Gives $4M to Habitat for Humanity
Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) is donating $4 million to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the grocer's Southeast market area. The donation will provide funding to build 40 new houses in 2016, as well as boost support to 60-plus affiliates that the foundation already funds. The average price to sponsor a house is $77,000.
"Every family deserves an opportunity to have a roof over their heads and food on their table," said Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities and daughter of Publix founder "Mr. George" Jenkins. "My father established our foundation in 1966 with a strong desire to see our communities thrive. Forty-nine years later, we are continuing his legacy."
The current donation "honor[s] my father’s memory and celebrate[s] what would have been his 108th birthday," added Barnett.
Further, Publix associates will volunteer to help build the Habitat for Humanity houses during the 2016 Publix Serves campaign, which enables employees across the company to unite to make a difference in the communities surrounding their stores. The grocer will also donate groceries to stock the pantries of the new homes.
"Publix associates are the best in the industry," affirmed Maria Brous, the company's director of media and community relations. "Our associates serve our customers with stellar customer service, and serve their communities generously by giving of their time and talents to support many nonprofit organizations. Our associates are always there to give of themselves when our communities are in need. Giving back is what we do. It is our culture of service."
Publix began supporting Habitat for Humanity in 1989; this year's contribution is more than three times the amount previously given in any year and will support 80-plus Habitat affiliates throughout the Southeast.
Privately owned and operated by its 176,500 employees, Publix Super Markets has 1,103 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.