Publix food doesn’t go to waste, donating 4.7M pounds to Harry Chapin Food Bank last year

It’s estimated that nearly 40% of all food in the United States goes to waste, while our friends and neighbors go hungry.

That’s why Publix Supermarkets and the Harry Chapin Food Bank work together to rescue food and get it into the hands of people who need it.

“Think of a customer walking through the store and they’re looking for apples,” said Publix spokesman Brian West, “Nobody wants the apple with a bruise on it, so throughout our fresh departments, throughout the day, our associates are going through that product that no longer goes to our quality standard. It’s still fit for human consumption and we’re pulling that off the sales floor and preparing it to be donated to the likes of Harry Chapin.”

In today’s boxes: baked goods, prepared meals, and fresh meat. Items Publix no longer wants to sell but will be a windfall for a hungry family.

Barbara Evans, with Harry Chapin, explains, “We could not do what we do without the help of Publix. They’ve been incredible partners. Not only do they donate food to us but also donate money.”

Enough money to pay for some delivery truck.

In the last year, Harry Chapin distributed 47 million pounds of food to people in need in Southwest Florida. 10 percent of it came from Publix.

“We are thankful for our founder Mr. George,” West said. “He is the one who had a heart of giving to the communities that he served and that has become a cornerstone, the fabric of who we are as a company.” A promise that drives the company and feeds Florida families.

WINK News is marching towards feeding 1 million people by March 1.

Our March to a Million Meals campaign helps the Harry Chapin Food Bank continue its mission of helping families in need.

Please consider donating by clicking the link.