Jaguars Foundation, Publix and PepsiCo announce new hunger relief initiative with Feeding Northeast Florida’s Corner Markets
Today the Jacksonville Jaguars, Publix, PepsiCo and Feeding Northeast Florida, announced their new partnership in providing food and product for 1,200 families through Feeding Northeast Florida’s Corner Market mobile food pantries.
Feeding Northeast Florida’s new Corner Market mobile food pantries provide hunger-relief to individuals right in their own neighborhood. The Jaguars Foundation, Publix and Pepsi, and supporting partners of hunger relief- Pajcic & Pajcic Law Firm, Regency Centers, Cadillac, Stahl Meyer Foods and All Elite Wrestling, will sponsor ten distribution days. Publix and PepsiCo announced plans to donate additional food products, beverages and shopping bags for all Corner Market distribution days in 2020-2021. All participating families will also receive a $10 Publix gift card.
The Jaguars Foundation has made a commitment to support the Corner Markets over the next three years, exceeding $100,000 in grants and donated product.
“Caring for members of our community, especially those struggling to put food on the table during a trying year, will always be a priority for our organization,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping. “The Jaguars are proud to make a multiyear commitment to Feeding Northeast Florida’s new mobile food pantry program, expanding their ability to connect with those in need right in their own neighborhoods. The work they are doing is vital and we want it to be accessible to as many underserved communities as possible.”
“Publix is proud to continue its partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida, the Jaguars, and PepsiCo to serve our community and help those in need through the Corner Market mobile food pantries,” said Chris Norberg, Community Relations Manager of Publix.
“As part of Pepsi’s year-around hunger relief effort, we are proud to provide meals to those in need in the Jacksonville community,” said Rich Panner, Vice President, Pepsico Beverages North America- South Division.
“Jacksonville is home to many of our associates and we look forward to giving back to help our community where we live, work and serve during these challenging times.”
Feeding Northeast Florida’s Corner Market will serve individuals and families at a street-by-street level, providing an innovative way for clients to personally shop for the items they need or prefer. Food insecurity affects approximately one in six adults and one in four school-aged children in Northeast Florida. With the additional challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for food resources has nearly doubled in the span of a year. This mobile market aims to help meet that need by providing individualized food services to families in our community with a sense of dignity and the guidance to make healthier choices.
“Partnerships like this make what we do possible,” said Susan King, CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “We will not only be able to address food insecurity but also impact the overall health of our community by providing a reliable resource for high-quality produce, lean meats, and other essential items. We are honored to collaborate with the Jaguars Foundation, Publix, PepsiCo and all of their partners to continue to make a difference in Northeast Florida, bringing nutritious food to families who need it most.”