MONTGOMERY, AL, September 20, 2024 —The Heart of Alabama Food Bank (HAFB) announced it received a total donation of $335,000 from Publix Super Markets Charities to purchase a refrigerated box truck and two refrigerated vans to reach the 256,000 people facing food insecurity in HAFB’s 35-county service area.
The donation will significantly increase HAFB’s ability to serve rural neighbors battling hunger and food insecurity. Of that, $200,000 will go towards purchasing a 26-foot refrigerated box truck with a lift gate. The current fleet of refrigerated and dry box trucks and tractor-trailers is insufficient to meet demand, leading to reduced distribution and costly rentals during repairs. Expanding the fleet allows HAFB to serve more families, especially in rural areas, through the Mobile Pantry Program, which delivers 15,000 pounds of food to 120-150 households at each event. This program is crucial for reaching underserved locations and ensuring everyone can access nutritious food.
Additionally, $135,000 will be allocated to purchase two refrigerated vans for home deliveries of fresh, nutritious food. These vans will support HAFB’s Food as Medicine (FAM) Program, which assists food insecure patients facing health challenges like cancer, kidney disease, or those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. This initiative aims to provide essential nutrition to those who need it most. The Food as Medicine Program is a collaborative effort among the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, healthcare providers, corporate partners, civic leaders, and community leaders.
“The Heart of Alabama Food Bank and those we serve want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Publix and Publix Charities for their unwavering commitment to end hunger in our communities. Publix donates fresh produce, essential proteins, and other crucial products to HAFB while also providing financial support, enabling us to better reach our rural neighbors trapped in food deserts across our region. Their efforts help alleviate unnecessary suffering from many seniors and children struggling with hunger, and we are grateful to be partnered with such an incredible company!” Michael Coleman, Heart of Alabama Food Bank CEO
“At Publix, we believe providing food for our neighbors in need is our greatest opportunity to give back and doing so is at the heart of our philanthropic efforts,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “We’re also grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for its continued commitment to helping people experiencing food insecurity. Publix and Publix Charities’ continued work with food banks across the Southeast provide vital resources and nourishment to better the lives of individuals in our communities.”
The $335,000 donation from Publix Super Markets Charities to the Heart of Alabama Food Bank is one of several donations made this year to help provide food and other essential support to people facing hunger. In all, Publix Super Markets Charities has donated $11 million to Feeding America partner food banks and other nonprofit partners in 2024.
About the Heart of Alabama Food Bank (HAFB)
The Heart of Alabama Food Bank (HAFB), formally the Montgomery Area Food Bank, was established in 1986. The organization became a certified affiliate of Feeding America in 1989 and works with our state association, Feeding Alabama. The mission of HAFB is to source, acquire, and distribute nutritious food to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity throughout our region so that families, seniors, and children can thrive.
Last year alone, HAFB distributed 29.5 million pounds of food or 24.6 million meals, to the 35 counties served and is on track to distribute even more in the coming years. HAFB provides food to our service area by working with over 200 partner agencies that serve people through various programs. More information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger: www.hafb.org
About Publix Super Markets Charities
George Jenkins, founder of Publix Super Markets, believed in giving. From the day he opened his first Publix, he made sure his associates, customers and community were taken care of. In 1966, he established the Foundation with the vision it would continue giving long after he was gone. Publix Super Markets Charities remains committed to serving the communities in which Publix operates. To learn more, visit www.publixcharities.org. About Publix Super Markets Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,378 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 27 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.
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