Coke Florida Provides 5,500 Students With Supplies in 2025 Backpack Giveback

The program is in its eighth year, providing backpacks and supplies to K-12 students

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) has kicked off its 2025 Backpack Giveback initiative, which will supply over 5,500 students with backpacks and school supplies. The locally owned and operated Coca-Cola bottler will partner with nearly 50 organizations including community partners, non-profit organizations, and local schools to distribute back-to-school essentials in the 47 Florida counties Coke Florida serves.

Since launching the Backpack Giveback initiative in 2018, the company has distributed over 35,500 supply-filled backpacks to students across Florida. Each year, the number of donations has grown, reinforcing Coke Florida’s continued commitment to supporting students in need. The initiative is a long-standing cornerstone of the company’s Education pillar, which focuses on three key areas: Youth Development, Access to Resources, and College Scholarships.

“Supporting education remains one of our top priorities because we believe it’s the foundation for thriving communities,” said Percy L. Wells, II, Group Vice President of Government Relations, Public Affairs, and Communications. “As many families navigate financial challenges, we’re proud to help ease the burden of the back-to-school season. A new backpack filled with supplies may seem small, but it can make a big difference in helping students show up confident, prepared, and ready to learn.”

As the 2025 school year approaches, Coke Florida remains committed to helping students start strong and stay focused on their futures - one backpack at a time.

About Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) is the sixth largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Coke Florida makes, sells, and distributes products of The Coca-Cola Company in an exclusive territory that covers over 21 million consumers across 47 counties in Florida. The company employs over 5,000 associates and operates four Green Circle Certified manufacturing facilities and eighteen distribution centers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tampa, Coke Florida is one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States. In 2025, Coke Florida was recognized as a US Best Managed Company Gold Standard Winner by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. To learn more, visit www.cokeflorida.com.