Publix has long been a beloved community grocery store, but recent decisions by the company have left many customers alarmed. From political donations tied to the gun lobby to allowing firearms in stores and a contentious vaccine distribution deal, Publix appears to be putting politics and profits over people’s safety. No one should have to worry about armed shoppers in the aisle or whether life-saving vaccines were allocated fairly. It’s time for Publix to listen to its customers and take responsibility for protecting public safety.

Why We're Concerned
Open Carry Policy: In an era of frequent mass shootings, Publix still refuses to ban open carry of firearms in its supermarkets. The company defers to state laws and thus allows customers to openly carry guns in stores where it’s legal. This stance is starkly different from other major retailers, such as Walmart and Winn-Dixie, which prohibit open carry in their stores to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for shoppers. Publix’s inaction on this issue sends the wrong message about its commitment to customer safety.

Gun Lobby Ties: Publix donated $670,000 to the gubernatorial campaign of Adam Putnam, an NRA-endorsed politician who even called himself a “proud NRA sellout.” This revelation sparked outrage among customers and led to boycotts and in-store “die-in” protests, pressuring Publix to suspend its political contributions at the time. Supporting a candidate so closely aligned with the gun lobby has undermined Publix’s reputation as a neutral, family-friendly grocer.

(On May 25, 2018, Parkland students staged a “die-in” inside Publix stores in Coral Springs and Parkland, Florida, after learning the company had donated $670,000 to pro-gun candidate Adam Putnam. The silent 12-minute protest symbolized the time it took for 17 lives to be lost during the Parkland shooting and called out Publix for funding politicians aligned with the NRA.)

COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy: Publix donated $100,000 to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s PAC in late 2020, just weeks before the governor announced Publix would be a primary partner for distributing COVID-19 vaccines. In fact, Publix ultimately handled nearly one-quarter of all Florida’s vaccination doses. This pay-to-play appearance sparked public concern and a 60 Minutes investigation. The arrangement also left underserved communities behind, such as Belle Glade, where the nearest Publix is 25 miles away, forcing those residents into two-hour bus rides to get a shot. Publix’s vaccine deal looked like political favoritism at the expense of equitable public health access.

Our Call to Action
We demand that Publix ban open carry in all its stores and to commit to transparency, neutrality, and safety going forward. This means joining other retailers in keeping firearms out of their supermarkets to protect customers and employees. It means refraining from partisan political deals or donations that erode public trust, especially when public health is on the line. Publix should publicly reassure its shoppers that their well-being comes first, not the gun lobby, and not political paybacks.

By taking these steps, Publix can rebuild our confidence and live up to its responsibility as a community cornerstone.

Please sign and share this petition to send a clear message: we expect Publix to put our safety over politics, now and always. Together, we can demand a safer, more responsible Publix for everyone.