Hunger Action Month is a time to reflect on the needs of our neighbors, but, more importantly, a time for action. This week, Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) and our Gainesville branch, Bread of the Mighty, received an incredible boost in our mission to solve food insecurity across the region.
We are deeply honored to announce an extraordinary $1,125,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities.
This gift goes beyond financial generosity. It represents a deep, shared commitment to ensuring no family in our community goes without a nutritious meal.
Hands-on Leadership and Service
The announcement came during a remarkable day of hands-on community service. 70 Publix associates, including District 25 team members alongside senior leaders, CEO Kevin Murphy, VP of Associate Experience Marcy Benton, Jacksonville VP of Retail Operations Adrian Bennett, Director of Community Relations Dwaine Stephens, and Director of Communications Maria Brous, rolled up their sleeves at our warehouse.
Working side by side, this group packed over 13,000 pounds of food, instantly creating more than 11,000 meals for local families. And that was just the beginning. Another large group of Publix volunteers joined us the following day to keep the momentum going!
Why Publix Got Involved
As a food retailer, Publix is uniquely positioned to understand both the challenge of food insecurity and the critical logistics required to solve it. Publix founder George Jenkins built the company on a foundation of community stewardship. That tradition continues today through Publix Super Markets Charities.
“As a food retailer, we believe our greatest opportunity to give back is helping feed our neighbors in need — a responsibility we take to heart,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “We are grateful to Publix Charities for its generous support and working with food banks throughout the Southeast to provide nourishment to our communities.”
How the Grant Will Be Used
This $1,125,000 in strategic funding will directly target our most pressing operational needs and help us procure essential nutrition that rarely gets donated.
Here are a few ways we plan to apply this generosity immediately:
- Unlocking Cold Storage at Bread of the Mighty (Gainesville): Our top priority is installing a critical Fire Suppression System at our Gainesville warehouse. The Gainesville Fire Department requires this system before issuing permits for our newly delivered cooler equipment. Funding this installation will resolve a major bottleneck, allowing us to complete the cooler setup and dramatically expand our cold-storage capacity for fresh food.
- Bulk Purchasing High-Need Foods: While we receive many generous donations, certain vital dietary staples are rarely donated in adequate volume. We will use a portion of this grant to buy deeply discounted bulk quantities of frozen protein, shelf-stable protein, fresh produce, and premium canned goods to balance out distributions.
- Upgrading Infrastructure & Fleet Logistics: To keep our operation moving safely and efficiently, funds will support key facility repairs and equipment upkeep across our service area, including:
- Two high-speed cold storage doors.
- Concrete repairs at the main FNEFL warehouse in Jacksonville.
- A-Lift gates installed on delivery trucks.
- Masonry repairs in the equipment breezeway.
- Heavy equipment batteries, tires, and essential maintenance for aging machinery.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Publix Super Markets Charities, Publix leadership, and every associate who gave their time and energy to serve our community. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier Northeast Florida!
