Publix Earns National Recognition for Community Support

United Way recognized Publix Super Markets, Inc. with two Summit awards for philanthropic engagement and community impact. The national awards were presented on May 2nd at the Community Leaders Conference in Nashville, Tenn. (Pictured: Brian Gallagher, center, United Way Worldwide CEO, stands with Carol and Barney Barnett, who hold Summit awards for Publix at United Way's Community Leaders Conference.)

Publix’s 2011 United Way campaign raised $45.6 million – a 12% increase over 2010 despite a challenging economy – plus associates’ per capita gifts exceeded the food industry average by 398%. Publix associates also volunteered 900,000 hours, including more than 1,500 Publix associates serving on United Way and nonprofit boards.

“Community service is a way of life for Publix and its associates,” said Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide president and CEO. “Their incredible generosity and commitment to improving communities is an important part of their heritage. Together, we’ve been able to make a positive, lasting impact in countless people’s lives.”

Publix further leverages its 1051 stores by communicating United Way on 220 million grocery bags, reaching 40 million customers. Publix also shares education messages with parents by featuring Born Learning education tips on store shelf signs and including in customer newsletters like Baby Club and Preschool Pals. Further, Publix Super Markets Charities Chairman and CEO Carol Barnett worked with United Way of Central Florida to bring the Success By 6 national model to Central Florida and helped grow it from one county to many more throughout Florida and the Southeast. Success by 6 is a United Way communitywide early childhood initiative that ensures children are ready to succeed in school and life by age six. Publix also is involved in Let’s Grow, an early literacy effort that has demonstrated up to 76% improvement in state assessment scores at childcare centers.

“I am so proud to be a part of Publix,” said Barney Barnett, Vice Chairman of Publix. “It’s not just a supermarket – it’s a group of kindhearted, energetic, effective people who are dedicated to doing the right thing, and who make our world better each and every day.”

Publix ranks #1 on the Corporate Social Responsibility Index as determined by the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College plus Publix has been among Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies” for 17 years.

The Spirit of America and Summit Awards program, celebrating its 25th year, is United Way’s highest national honor for corporations, recognizing United Way Global Corporate Leaders with the most comprehensive commitments to strengthening communities. Applicants are evaluated by corporate peers and local United Ways. Join the conversation on Twitter using hash tag #SpiritofAmerica or visit unitedway.org/SOA.