Publix Serves with 4,500 Associates Giving Back During Companywide Day of Service

Retiring CEO Leads the Way

LAKELAND, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, more than 4,500 Publix associates across the company’s six
operating states are volunteering with more than 130 local nonprofit
organizations whose focus is primarily on the plight of the hungry and
homeless.

This year’s companywide day of service is an extension of the more than
$4 million contribution made to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across
Publix’s operating area and the $1.5 million donation to Feeding America
and their member food banks by Publix Super Markets Charities in fourth
quarter last year. The company vowed to have associates volunteer to
build homes where feasible to complement the Foundation’s generous
gifts. Other service projects will support youth and education projects,
which are also pillars of Publix’s philanthropic outreach.

In the company’s second annual day of service, associates will be giving
of their time and talents, along with a donation of approximately $1,000
per district. The funds were used to purchase items for Habitat house
builds, food pantries, soup kitchens, backpack programs, senior meal
boxes and beautification efforts just to name a few. See the activity by
following the hashtag #PublixServes.

Retiring Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw is spending his last office day visiting
and volunteering alongside Publix associates at nonprofit agencies in
South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

“Ed has given our company so much throughout his 42-year career,” said
Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “He has
always led by example and with a compassionate heart. He’s declared
Publix the best company in the world because of our people and has
always recognized the generosity and impact our associates have made
when challenged to make a difference. It is only fitting that he spend
his last day giving back to our communities, a lesson he learned
first-hand from his grandfather and our company founder, George Jenkins.”

Jenkins was once asked how much he thought he would be worth if he
hadn’t given so much away. Without hesitation he responded, “Probably
nothing.” He believed in the importance of giving, and he set the
example for being involved in the community. He felt giving back was an
investment, a responsibility and a privilege.

The company launched Publix Serves in 2015 as its community program that
unites its more than 179,000 associates in community service efforts.

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 179,000 employees, with
2015 sales of $32.4 billion. Currently Publix has 1,112 stores in
Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.
The company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies
to Work For in America” for 19 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s
dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among
the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the
company’s website, corporate.publix.com.

Contacts

Publix
Maria Brous, 863-680-5339