The Healthy Family Project says its 22nd biannual Publix Produce for Kids campaign is underway through June 26, with 12 produce companies set to donate 600,000 meals this year to 35 Feeding America network food banks within Publix’s market area.
Over the past 22 years, the campaign has raised more than $4 million to support causes that benefit families and children in Publix communities and helped to provide over 14 million meals to local Feeding America area food banks, according to a news release.
Colorful recipe-centric signs are currently positioned in 1,300 Publix stores near participating produce vendors, the release said. The sign’s QR codes lead shoppers to a free digital cookbook with recipe inspiration and nutrition tips. In addition, products featured in the campaign are highlighted in weekly ads throughout the campaign.
"At Publix, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve," said Dwaine Stevens, Publix director of community relations, said in the release. "The Healthy Family Project’s Produce for Kids campaign fits perfectly with this mission, and we are excited to partner again this year."
Produce partners supporting the Publix Produce for Kids cause-marketing campaign include Ayco Farms, Bay Foods, CMI Orchards, Coast Tropical, Crunch Pak, Driscoll’s, Fresh Express, GT’s Living Foods, Sunset, Tomato Thyme, Mucci Farms, Shuman Farms RealSweet Onions, and Wonderful Pistachios.
In addition to the in-store activation, Healthy Family Project says it kicked off the campaign by hosting an Instagram Live to featuring the campaign’s produce sponsors. Produce brands will also be highlighted in targeted social media and e-newsletter content throughout May and June.
"We are incredibly proud of the Publix Produce for Kids campaign and its continued success in promoting healthier eating habits and supporting our communities," said John Shuman, founder of Healthy Family Project and president of Reidsville, Ga.-based Shuman Farms. "This initiative not only encourages families to choose fresh, nutritious produce but also raises essential funds to combat food insecurity. The positive impact we are making together with Publix, our produce partners, and our dedicated customers is truly inspiring."
Feeding America estimates that 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experience hunger, the release said, and the produce partners aligning with the campaign aim to make an impact to fill this need through meals.
The campaign will raise funds for local Feeding America member food banks including:
- Feeding Northeast Florida.
- Food Bank of North Alabama.
- Montgomery Area Food Bank Inc.
- All Faiths Food Bank.
- America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
- Feeding America Tampa Bay.
- Feeding South Florida.
- Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
- America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.
- Atlanta Community Food Bank.
- Feeding the Valley Food Bank.
- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
- Golden Harvest Food Bank.
- Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.
- Second Harvest of South Georgia.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
- Harvest Hope Food Bank.
- Lowcountry Food Bank.
- Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
- Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
- Feed More.
- Feeding the Gulf Coast.
- Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
- Food Bank of Abermarle.
- Fredricksburg Area Food Bank.
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
- MANNA Food Bank.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of NE Tennessee.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of SE North Carolina.
- Treasure Coast Food Bank.
- Virginia Peninsula Food Bank.
As a cause-marketing organization, Healthy Family Project says it creates programs, like Produce for Kids, that provide easy, fun and inspiring recipes and healthy ideas. Since its creation in 2002 by Shuman Farms, Healthy Family Project has raised more than $8 million to benefit children and families and provided more than 20 million meals through Feeding America, the release said.
More information about Healthy Family Project and the Publix and Produce for Kids campaign is available at healthyfamilyproject.com.
