pandemic, by purchasing produce and dairy directly from farmers and donating it to Feeding America member food banks,” according to a news release.The program was launched by Publix in April, and since then, the grocer has rescued more than five million pounds of produce from going to waste by buying directly from farmers and donating goods to Feeding America food banks, officials said.Publix has since expanded its program across the Southeast.“Publix is now working with farmers in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to purchase their produce, providing them with much-needed revenue at a time when many of their largest purchasers like schools and restaurants have drastically reduced operations or closed.