With deep appreciation, Inter-Faith Food announces a $65,000 gift from Publix Super Markets Charities. This generous donation will enhance programming in the Food Shuttle’s Child Hunger initiatives and Agricultural division.
Brett Bennett, Publix team member from their Store #1544 joined President and CEO, L. Ron Pringle, at the Food Shuttle Farm for a check presentation and to see the Agriculture division in action.
Publix Super Markets Charities has long been a supporter of programs that address child hunger. Since 2015, Publix Super Markets Charities has contributed more than $32.5 million to hunger-related programs. As a partner of the Food Shuttle for over seven years, Publix has invested nearly $400,000 over the course of its history with the Food Shuttle. This most recent support in 2021 will bring comprehensive child nutrition programming to our communities including BackPack Buddies, School Pantries, Summer Meals, and hot meals directly from the Spinning Plate food truck. These initiatives that ensure children receive the food they need to grow and thrive, can extend and expand throughout the seven counties served by the Food Shuttle. With one in five children in the state at risk of hunger, the need for such programs remains one of dire urgency and grows as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on our communities.
Sustainable growing practices have also long been at the center of Publix support and this year’s donation will help fund the Food Shuttle’s critical Agricultural division. The 14-acre Food Shuttle Farm harvested 54,398 pounds of organically grown produce in the last fiscal year, with 45,460 pounds going into distribution through Food Shuttle programs like Mobile Markets, Grocery Bags for Seniors, and The Spinning Plate. Through the community gardener programs at both Camden Street Garden in Raleigh and Geer Street Garden in Durham, and the Gardens For Everyone project which builds garden boxes throughout the community, fresh, nutritious produce is available far and wide, and ongoing gardening education provides sustainable hunger prevention.
“Publix’s commitment to building a hunger free community is felt deep and wide within our organization. From Publix volunteer days at our farm, to our retail partner program, and financial contributions, we consider Publix a critical partner in the complex issue of hunger facing our community,” shares Food Shuttle President and CEO, L. Ron Pringle.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle can continue to feed neighbors, teach self-sufficiency, grow healthy foods, and cultivate innovative approaches to end hunger because of partners like Publix.