Publix Super Markets and the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) have launched a new partnership to get free school supplies to teachers and students in need.
The Publix Tools for Back to School campaign will be unveiled in more than 1,000 Publix stores July 24 and will raise funds to donate school supplies across Georgia, including to ACFB’s Kids in Need (KIN) program, just as students and teachers head back to school.
The Kids In Need program provides new, free school supplies to educators at schools where 80 percent of the students access the federal free or reduced meal program. The KIN mission is to provide learning supplies for students whose academic success is threatened by poverty.
“It is partnerships like the one we have with Publix that enable the Atlanta Community Food Bank and its programs, like Kids in Need, to help those who need it most. We know that there are students and teachers and schools all across metro Atlanta that work hard behind the scenes to help fill need gaps in classrooms every school year. Supporting donation drives and programs like Kids in Need plays an enormous and critical role in making sure needs stay met,” said Bill Bolling, executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
The new partnership was unveiled today at a press conference at Kids in Need headquarters. ACFB’s Bolling, State Superintendent John Barge and DeKalb County Superintendent Michael Thurmond gave remarks in support of making sure all students have access to the tools and supplies they need for academic success.
Publix will offer the Tools for Back to School campaign July 24-Aug. 13. Customers and associates are encouraged to stop by their neighborhood Publix to donate $5, $7 or $10, which will be used to purchase much needed school supplies.
“Our Tools for Back to School program grew out of the need to help students and teachers,” said Brenda Reid, Publix media and community relations manager. “Many families do not have the resources to purchase school supplies and, often, teachers spend their own money to buy supplies for their students. That’s why this program is so important. It supports families and classroom teachers.”
