Publix and United Way have worked together for 40 years to improve early education, build thriving families and support communities. Publix has supported United Way Born Learning, an international campaign that helps families prepare their children for school with a wide range of tools and research-based parent education materials. As part of their contribution to Born Learning, Publix provided their shoppers with tips on early learning through in-store experiences, newsletters and more.
In Atlanta, Publix donated 8 new Free Little Libraries so that children of all ages would have an opportunity to build their reading skills. This was part of a recent Publix philanthropy project where associates collected more than 14,000 books and built 132 of the little free libraries.
And in Florida, Publix supports our ReadingPals program, a statewide early literacy initiative that helps young children improve their reading skills. Over the past five years 650 adult mentors have provided 8,410 hours of reading to 1,644 young children in Broward County, helping them improve their literacy skills. And to keep students learning year-round, Publix makes sure that teachers in Broward County have an opportunity to receive the tools and supplies they need to keep kids learning.
Across the United States, Publix associates support United Way by donating and volunteering. In 2018, Publix associates recently pledged $38.7 million to United Way. Publix Super Markets Charities also donated $26.6 million, bringing the total to $65.3 million.