Orlando – June 4, 2009 – During these challenging economic times, it can be difficult to make charitable giving a priority, but Publix is partnering with Produce for Kids to help shoppers give money to Orlando-area children’s hospitals.

From June 4 to July 1, participating fruit and vegetable growers will make a donation to the local children’s hospital based on sales of their items at Publix. The more produce purchased at Publix, the more the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children will benefit.

Maria Brous, director of media and community relations for Publix, said when shoppers buy designated items, such as apples, they can raise money for area children’s hospitals.

“We believe that our customers and associates still want to support meaningful causes in tough economic times due to their generous nature,” Brous said. “Publix and Produce for Kids have made it easy, without affecting the family budget.”

That sentiment is confirmed by the latest Cone Cause Evolution Study that found a sharp increase in consumers who have purchased products associated with a non-profit cause. The study also revealed that more than half (52 percent) of Americans feel companies should maintain their level of financial support of causes and nonprofit organizations even in tough economic times.

This is the sixth year that Publix has partnered with Produce for Kids, an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and supports worthy causes for children. Together, Publix shoppers and the participating fresh produce companies have raised more than $625,000 for local children’s hospitals in Publix’ market area.

This year Publix has its largest number of produce supplier sponsors ever. The group includes: Apio - Eat Smart, Guadalupe, Calif. (fresh cut vegetables); Chiquita, Cincinnati, Ohio (extra sweet pineapple); Coast Tropical, Princeton, Fla. (mangos); Crunch Pak, Cashmere Wash. (sliced apples); Del Monte Fresh, Coral Gables, Fla. (Del Monte Gold® extra sweet pineapple); Fresh Express, Cincinnati (salads); Marie's (Ventura Foods), Brea, Calif.(salad dressing); Oppenheimer, Coquitlam, B.C. (tomatoes); Shuman Produce, Reidsville, Ga (onions).; Tropicana, Purchase, N.Y. (orange juice); Village Farms, Eatontown, N.J. (tomatoes).

Created in 2002 by Shuman Produce Inc., a producer and shipper of Vidalia onions, Produce for Kids^® brings the fresh produce industry together to raise funds for children's non-profit organizations while educating families about the benefits of healthy eating. To learn more about Produce for Kids, visit www.produceforkids.org.

 About The Publix Co.

About The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital provides expertise in pediatric specialties such as cardiac care, craniomaxillofacial surgery, emergency and trauma care, gastroenterology, nephrology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology and sports medicine. Visit www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com to learn more about all of our specialties.