LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Throughout this week, more than 6,200 Publix associates across the company’s seven-state operating area will be volunteering at more than 220 state parks and other nonprofit organizations focused on environmental sustainability.
Launched in 2015, Publix Serves is one of the company’s community programs uniting its more than 230,000 associates in community service efforts.
“Our spring Publix Serves initiative focuses on extending our commitment to preserve and protect the environment by volunteering with nonprofit organizations,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “Through the support of our associates, we continue to build on Publix’s decades-long commitment to care for our natural resources, while doing good together.”
During the week, associates are working with organizations like Keep America Beautiful affiliates, Brevard Zoo, Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and state parks to clean up waterways and trails, remove invasive plants, complete repairs and other projects.
“We are thrilled to work alongside Publix associates during the Publix Serves environmental week,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton, whose agency oversees Florida’s state parks. “This effort, combined with our nearly 4,500 volunteers, is vital to our mission of preserving and restoring natural and cultural resources.”
Publix continues to look for ways to reduce waste and protect natural resources. The company’s most recent efforts focus on long-term collaborations to support freshwater restoration in the state of Florida.
Publix’s focus on water stewardship
Since 2016, Publix has supported the Arbor Day Foundation in planting 731,000 trees in four damaged Florida watersheds. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, over the next 50 years, these trees are estimated to reduce rainwater runoff by intercepting more than 66 billion gallons of rainfall. When runoff is reduced, more water soaks into the ground and, ultimately, into the aquifers supplying Florida residents with clean drinking water. Additionally, the trees are estimated to absorb more than 467,000 metric tons of net carbon dioxide during the same period.
In 2021, Publix donated funds to remove invasive trees and plants from portions of the Florida Everglades. These non-native trees and plants disrupt Florida’s natural water cycle by using standing water from rainfall before it can seep into the underground aquifers that provide 8 million South Florida residents with their daily supply of drinking water. A portion of the $2 million donation is being used by the National Audubon Society for a five-year project to remove invasive willows and other plants from approximately 500 acres in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the western Everglades. The National Park Foundation is using its portion of the donation on a three-year effort to remove and control invasive Australian pine trees in approximately 500 acres of the saline glades region in the eastern portion of Everglades National Park.
About Publix
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 230,000 associates, currently operates 1,296 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 24 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. 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.
About Florida State Parks
The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.
Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multiuse trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit floridastateparks.org.
