Publix, March of Dimes Launching In-store Campaign

Publix Super Markets Inc. and the March of Dimes will roll out their annual fundraising drive next month, to run April 6-26. Since the partnership began in 1995, Publix customers and associates have raised $51 million for the White Plains, N.Y.-based nonprofit organization, which focuses on pregnancy and baby health.

The grocer's register campaign, during which Publix associates will sell cutouts at checkout, coincides with March for Babies, the nonprofit's signature event, slated to take place on April 25 in most areas. Publix is the No. 2 March for Babies Team in the United States; Kmart is the event’s No. 1 corporate supporter.

"Our customers and associates trust us to support organizations and programs that make a difference in the communities in which we live and work," said Maria Brous, director of media and community relations at Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix, which has more than 174,500 employees at 1,096 locations in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina. "[S]upporting healthier moms and stronger babies is an extension of who we are."

"Publix is one of our most valued partners, and their commitment to the community is matched by their associates' enthusiasm for this campaign," noted March of Dimes Regional VP Julie Laird. "The dollars they raise are vital to continuing the lifesaving research, advocacy, and education."