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Publix Will Buy Excess Milk And Produce From Farmers To Donate To Food Banks

Updated August 16, 2021

Supermarket chain Publix has recently pledged to help struggling farmers who have been hurt by the ongoing coronavirus, while also helping families who have been hit especially hard as well.

According to CBS News, the company will be buying fresh excess milk and produce directly from those farmers which will then be donated to food banks in an effort to feed families impacted by COVID-19.

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In recent weeks we've begun to hear more and more stories of farmers dumping unsold milk and produce.

Unsplash | Mehrshad Rajabi

As CNN reported, farmers have had to resort to such extreme measures because they've experienced an unprecedented drop in demand from schools, restaurants and other food service providers, who have all shut down to limit the spread of the virus.

In a press release, Publix announced this new initiative which officially began on April 22 and is expected to run for several weeks.

More than 150,000 pounds of produce and 43,500 gallons of milk are expected to be bought and donated directly to Feeding America food banks.

“As a food retailer, we have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the needs of families and farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in the release. “In this time of uncertainty, we are grateful to be able to help Florida’s produce farmers, southeastern dairies and families in our communities.”

As per the initiative, products will be purchased from Florida produce farmers and southeastern dairy farmers.

Unsplash | Aurélien Lemasson-Théobald

“We are thrilled about Publix’s initiative to buy additional milk from Southeast Milk for processing and donation to Feeding America member food banks,” Southeast Milk Inc. President Joe Wright said in the release.

“It’s a win-win for our farmers who are feeling the impact of decreased demand and the families who are in need of nutrient rich milk during this pandemic.”

h/t: CBS News, Publix

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