Find out here how you can help contribute to Feeding America at your local Publix.

LAKELAND, FL — Publix Charities recently donated $200,000 along with 2,835,456 pounds of produce to Feeding Tampa Bay, a news release said.

According to Feeding America, one in nine Americans face food insecurity. Many Feeding America food banks are operating throughout the state to help Floridians who struggle to have three meals a day.

“Having food on the table is an essential need that millions of people throughout our communities struggle with every day. As a food retailer, helping provide nourishing meals to our neighbors in need is at the heart of who we are,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said. “It is our privilege to join our customers in helping to alleviate hunger and do good together for our communities.”

Publix launched its Feeding More Together campaign in March. This program allows customers to donate at the register to purchase nonperishable food items for local food banks. Publix then matches customer donations by purchasing an equivalent dollar value of fresh produce, which is donated to Feeding America member food banks. The first Feeding More Together campaign raised nearly $5 million in customer donations.

The Feeding More Together program will run again Nov. 4 – 15.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of people turning to Feeding America member food banks for help, many of them for the first time,” Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “We are incredibly grateful to Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities for finding new, innovative ways to help serve our neighbors and for their long-standing commitment to alleviating hunger.”

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, more than 42 million Americans won't have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations.* Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.