Brenda Reid, Media & Community Relations manager for Publix Super Markets Charities, presents a $100,000 donation check to Gina Crumbliss, president & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and other Food Bank employees.
Publix Super Markets Charities presented a $100,000 check to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia’s largest hunger relief organization serving 20 counties. The presentation took place on Sept. 26.
The donation came from a $5 million total pledge from Publix Super Markets Charities to Feeding America® member food banks, schools and other nonprofit organizations all focused on alleviating hunger across Publix’s operating area. The specific goal of the donation is to provide funding to assist in the transportation and childhood program needs of the food banks and nonprofit agencies. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank will use this generous donation to support School Mobile Pantries in Hamilton County, which serve 740 families with children each month.
“For more than 50 years, we have been nourishing the communities in which Publix operates,” said Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities. “Through these efforts, we’ve supported early education programs and the plight of the hungry and homeless, recognizing the importance of education and proper nutrition. We believe every child deserves to have hope, love and joy. Our Foundation is dedicated to giving these gifts of nourishment and hope to our communities.”
According to the USDA, more than 42 million Americans live in food insecure households, including 13 million children. In the 20 counties served by the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, one in four children do not know where their next meal is coming from, and getting the energy they need to learn and grow can be a daily challenge. Although food insecurity is harmful to any individual, it can be particularly devastating for children due to their increased vulnerability and the potential for long-term consequences.
“Proper nutrition is critical to a child’s growth and development, yet 13 million children face hunger,” said Matt Knott, president of Feeding America. “For years, Publix has been a strong partner to the Feeding America network of food banks, supporting our efforts to help children in need. We are thankful for this generous gift from Publix Charities, which will allow our network to provide even more nutrient-rich meals to children in Publix’s communities.”
“We are very grateful for our partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities, and appreciate all of the support we receive from them throughout the year,” said Gina Crumbliss, president and CEO for the Food Bank. “With their support, we are better equipped to fight hunger in our area.”