Publix earns national recognition for community support

 United Way recognizes Publix Super Markets, Inc. with top national award for corporate citizenship and community impact

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night, United Way recognized Publix Super Markets, Inc. with two Summit awards for philanthropic engagement and community impact. Publix's 2011 United Way campaign raised $45.6 million – a 12% increase over 2010 despite a challenging economy – plus associates' per capita gifts exceeded the food industry average by 398%. Publix associates also volunteered 900,000 hours, including more than 1,500 Publix associates serving on United Way and nonprofit boards.

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"Community service is a way of life for Publix and its associates," said Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide president and CEO. "Their incredible generosity and commitment to improving communities is an important part of their heritage. Together, we've been able to make a positive, lasting impact in countless people's lives."

Publix further leverages its 1051 stores by communicating United Way on 220 million grocery bags, reaching 40 million customers. Publix also shares education messages with parents by featuring Born Learning education tips on store shelf signs and including in customer newsletters like Baby Club and Preschool Pals. Further, Publix Super Markets Charities Chairman and CEO Carol Barnett worked with United Way of Central Florida to bring the Success By 6 national model to Central Florida and helped grow it from one county to many more throughout Florida and the Southeast. Success by 6 is a United Way communitywide early childhood initiative that ensures children are ready to succeed in school and life by age six. Publix also is involved in Let's Grow, an early literacy effort that has demonstrated up to 76% improvement in state assessment scores at childcare centers.

"I am so proud to be a part of Publix," said Barney Barnett, Vice Chairman of Publix. "It's not just a supermarket – it's a group of kindhearted, energetic, effective people who are dedicated to doing the right thing, and who make our world better each and every day."

Publix ranks #1 on the Corporate Social Responsibility Index as determined by the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College plus Publix has been among Fortune's "Most Admired Companies" for 17 years.

The Spirit of America and Summit Awards program, celebrating its 25th year, is United Way's highest national honor for corporations, recognizing United Way Global Corporate Leaders with the most comprehensive commitments to strengthening communities. Applicants are evaluated by corporate peers and local United Ways. Join the conversation on Twitter using hash tag #SpiritofAmerica or visit unitedway.org/SOA.

About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health.  United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.  LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org. 

About Publix
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 152,000 employees, with 2011 sales of $27.0 billion. Currently Publix has more than 1,050 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For in America" for 15 consecutive years. In addition, Publix's dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. For more information, visit the company's website, www.publix.com. 

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SOURCE United Way Worldwide