Origins:
During the 2025 holiday season, unexpected SNAP benefit disruptions heightened uncertainty for thousands of families already experiencing food insecurity. In response, The Winn-Dixie Company (TWDC) and The Winn-Dixie Company Gives Foundation mobilized a comprehensive Gratitude Month initiative, beginning with a $100,000 donation to Feeding America to provide more than 1 million meals to families in need. To engage customers directly, TWDC launched an in-store program inviting shoppers to give $1, $5 or round up their total to support local food banks. TWDC also introduced a $14.99 Family Meal Deal for Rewards members, offered SNAP customers free DoorDash delivery and issued every store $500 to support a hunger-relief organization of their choice. The grocer also introduced the “Give a Little, Feed a Lot” prepacked food donation bag program, providing customers with another simple way to support neighbors facing hunger during checkout. Each bag was filled with Own Brand pantry staples and distributed directly to local nonprofits addressing hunger. This approach made giving easy, affordable and immediate, helping customers provide meaningful support during a critical time. Following a strong positive response, TWDC expanded the initiative into a year-round program. Today, customers can purchase $5, $10 or $15 donation bags, providing a flexible way to contribute. Each store partners with a food bank, pantry or meal delivery organization to ensure donations stay local. Store teams also tailor the contents of each bag quarterly, selecting seasonally relevant Own Brand products that reflect the evolving needs of families and maximize the impact of each donation.
Contribution:
TWDC and The Winn-Dixie Company Gives Foundation donated $100,000 to Feeding America, helping secure more than 1 million meals for families across Florida and southern Georgia. Every store also received a $500 credit to donate products or gift cards to a local hunger-relief organization of its choice, empowering associates to give back within their own communities. TWDC also offered a discounted $14.99 Family Meal Deal for Rewards members and free DoorDash delivery for SNAP customers, removing cost barriers during a critical time of the year. Building on that momentum, TWDC expanded its “Give a Little, Feed a Lot” donation bag program into a year-round program in 2026, allowing customers to stretch their charitable dollars while providing high-quality pantry staples to families in need. Associates play an active role by assembling, merchandising and promoting the bags while educating customers about the nonprofit partners benefiting from their support.
Objectives:
The program was designed to address immediate food insecurity while creating a sustainable model for year-round community support. Its primary objective was to meet families’ urgent needs during a period of heightened food insecurity by pairing a large donation with accessible, customer-facing ways to give to help feed neighbors in need. Additional objectives included strengthening relationships between stores and community organizations, easing financial pressures, increasing access to nutritious food for families experiencing hardship, showcasing the value and quality of TWDC’s Own Brand products and inspiring a culture of giving among customers and associates. By empowering each store to partner with a local organization and tailor donation bag contents throughout the year, the hometown grocer ensures every contribution remains relevant, responsive and meaningful to the unique needs of each community it serves.
Impact:
TWDC’s Gratitude Month initiative shows how pairing one donation with accessible, everyday ways to give can generate both immediate relief and lasting community impact. The initial $100,000 donation to Feeding America helped provide more than 1 million meals to families in need, while the checkout donation program, which was extended through the end of the year, invited every customer to contribute in a way that fit their budget and resulted in an additional $185,000 donation to local food banks. Store-level giving amplified the impact further: with a $500 credit issued to every location, TWDC stores across Florida and southern Georgia directed support to hunger-relief organizations serving their own neighborhoods. The Family Meal Deal and free SNAP delivery through DoorDash removed cost as a barrier for thousands of families, while associates embraced the initiative, actively promoting each element in-store. Additionally, the “Give a Little, Feed a Lot” donation bags provided nearly $200,000 in donated products in just two months, reflecting the urgency of the need and customers’ willingness to support their neighbors. That success prompted TWDC to expand the program into a year-round initiative available in every store, which continues to strengthen community partnerships today. To date, the program has generated more than $735,000 in donated products for neighborhood nonprofit partners, supporting more than 100 organizations across the region. By embedding charitable giving into everyday grocery shopping, the hometown grocer has built a sustainable giving model that empowers customers to feed and enrich their communities one purchase at a time.
Quote:
Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of The Winn-Dixie Company, said, “As a grocer, it’s our noble calling to feed communities – a simple, yet powerful responsibility we embrace with purpose and pride. Food is one of our most basic needs, but it’s also where connection happens. It’s how we gather, celebrate and care for one another. For a century, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors through moments of joy and hardship, and we stand with them now. As we recognize National Gratitude Month, we’re turning gratitude into purposeful action – ensuring families have food on their tables today and hope for tomorrow.”
Support Statement:
Elizabeth Pettengill, Interim Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Partnerships for Feeding America, said, “When gratitude is put into action, it has the power to change lives. Our partnership with The Winn-Dixie Company shows the power of local collaboration by reinforcing a network of support that provides families with nourishing food, meaningful connection and hope. Through this program, we are helping meet immediate needs while reminding neighbors facing hunger that their community is here for them. Together, we are strengthening our community, one family and one meal at a time.”
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