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Publix buys, donates more than one million pounds of produce after pledging to help farmers

Posted at 8:35 AM, May 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-07 08:35:11-04

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix announced a "milestone" in the first two weeks of its initiative to support farmers by buying excess food and donating it to Feeding America food banks.

The company says it purchased more than 1 million pounds of fruits and vegetables, and more than 100,000 gallons of milk to donate in just those two weeks.

RELATED:Publix says it will buy farmers' excess food, donate it to food banks

“We’re proud of the success this initiative has had in supporting farmers and families affected by the pandemic,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “As a food retailer, feeding families is our greatest opportunity to give back, and we are grateful to be able to do so while supporting produce and dairy farmers. During such challenging times, we are even more committed to supporting those in need and doing good, together.”

The grocery chain launched the initiative on April 22 to help farmers and families struggling during the pandemic.

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“There are some things you can’t plan for, and this is one of them,” said 5 Brothers Produce Senior Sales Associate Thomas Torbert. “You just hope that you can find the right people to work with, people who can come up with the right solutions to help you make it through. We found that right partner in Publix.”

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