PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Publix just launched a new initiative to purchase fresh produce and milk to assist farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Publix will donate these products directly to Feeding South Florida to assist the growing number of families looking to Feeding America for fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk during the coronavirus pandemic.
“As we respond to the coronavirus pandemic, Publix understands that more families are turning to us to help put food, especially fresh produce and milk, on their tables,” said Feeding South Florida President & CEO Paco Velez. “We’re grateful to Publix for not only supporting growers but also for their years of support of Feeding South Florida.”
J&J Family of Farms in Loxahatchee has been a part of the ongoing fight against hunger.
“After the shutdown, we had a lot of products that didn’t get to market,” said Kohl Brown, vice president of sales for J&J Family of Farms. “We had to make some quick decisions at the farm. We had to change the way we were harvesting.
The stuff that was already harvested we sent to a number of food banks.”
In addition to selling $10 produce boxes to the community, the farming and growing operation continues to donate much of its surplus to Feeding South Florida and many other food banks along the eastern seaboard.
“We the silver lining is that we’re helping some people in distress,” said Brown.
According to Feeding South Florida, more than 184,000 people in Palm Beach County are considered food-insecure.