Publix Charity Gives Back To Community

MIAMI (CBS4) - A South Florida supermarket and their customers put more than a million dollars back into the community-and CBS4's Neighbors 4 Neighbors was one of the recipients.

"Over 70 non-profits based right here in South Florida are benefiting today," explained Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix Supermarkets, Kim Jaegar.  "We raised over 1.5 million dollars, all of that money is going to the South Florida community."

The Publix "Food For All" campaign supports dozens of non-profits across the state and it's all from the tiny tickets customers pick up in the checkout line.

"Our customers are the ones that make this program a success and we couldn't do this without them," said Jaegar.

The little tickets add up to big bucks for local charities like Community Partnership for the Homeless.

Dan Vincent, the executive director of the Community Partnership for the Homeless which benefitted from the charity said, "Twenty thousand dollars… phenomenal! Publix is incredible in what they do.  We have 756 people spend the night with us every night, there's no way we could feed all of them and take care of them and take them to the next level without this"

For struggling agencies, like Farm Share, the money turns into a lifeline for the families they serve.

"For every dollar that is donated to Farm Share program we're able to provide 10 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables" explained Farm Share Founder, Patricia Robbins.

Our own Neighbors 4 Neighbors also took home money for the Family Fund and Food 4 South Florida programs.

"Neighbors 4 Neighbors has been an incredible partner of ours for so many years and they're providing incredible necessary services to our community," said Jaegar.

The "Food For All" campaign may be over, but there's still a chance for you to give by calling Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404.