Publix in the bullseye of Milton: Impacts to CSRA?

It’s been 13 days since Hurricane Helene slammed into the CSRA. Publix, which has seven locations throughout the area, is focused on continuing deliveries to those stores even as their corporate headquarters in Lakeland, Florida is in the middle of a direct hit from Hurricane Milton.

As the CSRA recovers from Hurricane Helene, ABD contacted Jared Glover, Media Relations Manager for Publix. Glover’s area covers Augusta, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. These are his responses to our questions regarding any impact.

ABD: Will closures of more than 500 Florida stores because of Hurricane Milton and their needs have any impact on distribution to our area? My understanding is that our distribution comes from Dacula, GA.

Glover: We don’t expect stores in the CSRA to have an impact from Hurricane Milton. Our manufacturing and distribution teams work around the clock to make, load, and deliver products to our stores. Stores should still receive deliveries, but product availability may vary by store depending on several factors, including accessibility by our distribution network.

ABD: The $1,000,000 million donated by Publix for Helene relief is going to charities that serve FL, GA, and SC, is that correct?

Glover: The contributions from Publix Super Markets Charities and the register campaign will support nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross and the United Way.

ABD: The donation campaign at registers is across the board for all Publix stores, correct?

Glover: Publix activated a companywide donation campaign to allow customers and associates to help people affected by the storm. The end date of the campaign was based on customer response. Our generous customers and associates donated more than $1 Million to support relief efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. All funds collected at the register will go to the American Red Cross to help people recover from this disaster.

Glover added, “We believe in being there for our local communities both before and after a storm. Donations across our operating area have been provided to multiple organizations like Golden Harvest Food Bank to help people recovering from Hurricane Helene. Meals, drinks, and food have been donated to help in the immediate aftermath to provide nourishment, as well as other necessities like personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and pet food.

Publix also donated a trailer load of water to Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, as well as donations of food and supplies throughout the Southeast, including areas of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and western North Carolina.

Publix was founded by George Jenkins in 1930. After building a success story in the grocery business he was once asked, “How much do you think you’d be worth today if you hadn’t given away so much?” Without hesitation, he responded, “Probably nothing.”

Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.

Subscribe to our eNewsletter for the BEST local business news delivered to your Inbox each week day.

* indicates required

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Posts