100 years strong: Winn-Dixie continues legacy of nourishing neighbors during Hunger Action Month
Press release from Winn-Dixie
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Winn-Dixie and the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation are leading with purpose this Hunger Action Month and commemorating the grocer’s 100th anniversary with a powerful pledge to help fight food insecurity. In honor of its century of serving Southeast communities, Winn-Dixie is donating $100,000 to Feeding America in support of hunger relief programs –- providing more than 1 million meals across the region. The grocer will also contribute an additional $100,000 in product donations to seven Feeding America partner food banks through mobile food pantries, delivering fresh and shelf-stable items directly into the hands of neighbors experiencing hunger.
Anthony Hucker, Chairman & CEO of Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie’s parent company, said, “For a century, Winn-Dixie has been a cornerstone of the Southeast –- not only as a grocer, but as a trusted neighbor. We take immense pride in ensuring our communities have access to the nourishment they need, both within and beyond our store walls. As we embark on the next hundred years, we are intensifying our commitment to feed and enrich the communities we serve, standing resolute with our longtime partner Feeding America to eradicate hunger.”
Hunger Action Month, led by Feeding America each September, shines a spotlight on the growing issue of food insecurity nationwide. More than 47 million people in the United States face food insecurity, including 1 in 5 children, according to Feeding America. The crisis is especially severe in the South, which represents less than half of all U.S. counties but accounts for 86% of those with the highest food insecurity rates –- where at least 20% of residents struggle to access enough food. As a grocer deeply rooted in the Southeast, Winn-Dixie recognizes this reality, and proudly continues its legacy of nourishing communities by supporting efforts to ensure no neighbor goes without a meal.
As part of its Hunger Action Month commitment, Winn-Dixie will host multiple mobile food pantry events in partnership with Feeding America partner food banks, including:
- Feeding the Gulf Coast
- Feeding Northeast Florida
- Feeding South Florida
- Feeding Tampa Bay
- Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
Casey Marsh, Chief Development Officer for Feeding America said, “We can end hunger when we all work together. Winn-Dixie’s support during Hunger Action Month reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to hunger relief. Their generosity helps ensure individuals and families have access to nourishing meals and the resources they need to thrive. Winn-Dixie has long stood beside us in the movement to end hunger, and we are grateful for their support.”
That commitment extends beyond Hunger Action Month. Winn-Dixie is also proudly partnering with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and THE PLAYERS Championship to support 10 Jacksonville families tackling childhood cancer. This special event bridges Hunger Action Month with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the grocer’s deep dedication to caring for those during their time of greatest need.
Earlier this summer, Winn-Dixie reinforced its year-round hunger relief efforts with a $100,000 donation to five Boys & Girls Clubs chapters across the Southeast, helping provide lunches, snacks, and take-home meals for children and their families.
As Winn-Dixie celebrates 100 years, its passion for nourishing communities remains stronger than ever. With every meal served and every individual supported, Winn-Dixie honors its legacy of giving back –- one neighbor, one table, and one act of kindness at a time.