Rep. Laurel Lee Joins Rep. Soto and Publix at Hunger Summit to Address the Hunger Crisis Facing Communities

Washington, D.C. – Last Thursday, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) spoke at Publix’s inaugural Hunger Summit in Lakeland along with Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), Publix CEO, Todd Jones, Publix President, Kevin Murphy, and USDA Region IV Regional Administrator, Willie Taylor to recognize Publix’s Commitment to Hunger and the important work Feeding America member food banks do in their communities every day.

“Ending hunger is an issue that is very dear to my heart,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “My time serving with ECHO of Brandon and the Open Arms Ministry at Hyde Park United Methodist Church showed me the need to address food insecurity in our community. Resources like food banks are a vital part of ensuring people in need have access to critical support. I appreciate Publix’s dedication to bringing together local partners to address hunger and identify community-based solutions to support families.”

The Summit brought together partners from the public and private sectors to work together to alleviate food insecurity and hunger for members of our communities.

“It was an honor to attend the Publix Hunger Summit and hear from food banks in our region on their efforts to combat food insecurity. After being recently appointed to the Agriculture Committee in Congress, I look forward to working alongside these organizations to ensure we are prioritizing our communities’ needs in the upcoming Farm Bill. My office will advocate for increased funding for key programs, a streamlined application process for families in need, and much more,” said Rep. Soto.

“Our summit provided an opportunity to build stronger connections and, together, find better ways to accomplish a united purpose — feeding even more people in need in the communities we serve,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones.

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