Publix toasts 85th year by giving back

APRIL 17, 2015 | BY GINA ACOSTA

Publix is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year with an annual day of service in which more than 4,000 of its employees will participate in service projects.

Publix employees across the company’s six operating states will be volunteering with more than 125 nonprofits whose focus is on youth, education or the plight of the hungry and homeless.

The Lakeland, Fla.-based chain will give $1,085 to retail districts through its six-state footprint — $1,000 plus $85 to mark the anniversary of the founding of Publix in 1930 by George W. Jenkins. The money will be used to provide supplies for community efforts, or to make donations to food pantries, soup kitchens, backpack programs, beautification efforts and reading libraries just to name a few. See the activity by following the hashtag #PublixServes.

“Publix Serves celebrates our associates and embraces our communities. We’re thrilled to have more than 4,000 associates volunteering today in the communities we serve,” said Maria Brous, director of media and community relations. “Community service is ingrained in our culture – it’s who we are. We serve our customers in our stores; we serve each other and our communities in times of need. There is nothing more gratifying than to hear and see the impact our associates make in our communities each and every day.”

The company launched Publix Serves earlier this month as its community program that unites its more than 175,000 associates in community service efforts.

As part of its Publix Serves campaign, the company has been sharing lessons from founder George Jenkins. April’s lesson is Give Back. Jenkins was once asked how much he thought he would be worth if he hadn’t given so much away. He responded, “Probably nothing.” He believed in the importance of giving, and he set the example for being involved in the community. He felt giving back was an investment, a responsibility and a privilege.

Publix operates 1,098 stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Consumer Reports recently ranked Publix the No. 2 supermarket chain in the United States.