Second Harvest is proud to partner with a number of businesses that believe in our mission of fighting hunger. Recently Publix Super Markets and its customers throughout Central Florida raised nearly $98,000 to benefit Second Harvest through the Food for All seasonal donation program.
We spent a few minutes talking with Publix’s media and community relations manager, Dwaine Stevens, about the campaign.
Question (Second Harvest): How does the Food for All campaign work?
Answer (Dwaine Stevens): During the campaign, we invited our customers and associates throughout Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties to make a small donation to fight hunger. Customers could contribute $1, $3 or $5 while paying for their groceries.
Q: What inspired Publix to run this campaign?
A: We started Food for All three years ago because we care about the health of our community. It’s become a great vehicle for our customers and associates to help improve our community at the grassroots level.
Q: Why did Publix choose to partner with Second Harvest?
A: Second Harvest has the expertise and infrastructure to channel the resources where they’re needed most. We were impressed that for every dollar our customers and associates donate, Second Harvest is able to provide $9 worth of food value to people in need. That’s a great return on investment.
Q: Were you pleased with the response to the campaign?
A: Yes, we certainly were. Even in tough economic times, our customers and associates step up to support their neighbors – and every year, we’re surprised how much we raise.
Q: Beyond the annual Food for All campaign, how does Publix help fight hunger in Central Florida throughout the year?
A: We donate perishable food to Second Harvest throughout the year. In fact, in the he past year we’ve donated more than 3.5 million pounds of quality product. Also, four times a year our stores run the Food for Sharing program, where customers can donate a “recipe” of products in a variety of dollar amounts to benefit local food banks, including Second Harvest. It’s another excellent way to help our neighbors in need.
Photo caption (left to right): Dave Krepcho, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Kirsten Langan, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Product Sourcing Manager and Sam Pero, Publix Regional Director for the Jacksonville Southern Region.
Tags: food, publix, supermarkets
