TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) has kicked off its 2024 Backpack Giveback initiative, which will supply over 5,500 students with backpacks and school supplies. Operating in 47 counties across Florida, the locally owned and operated Coca-Cola bottler will distribute back-to-school essentials through community partners, non-profit organizations, and local schools.
The Backpack Giveback initiative is one of the company’s longest-running programs under its Education community pillar. The educational initiatives focus on three key areas: Youth Development, Access to Resources, and College Scholarships. Through the Backpack Giveback program, the company has donated more than 30,000 backpacks stocked with supplies since 2018. The number of backpacks donated has increased over the life of the program, representing an ongoing commitment to providing resources where they are needed most. To date, Coke Florida has invested more than $200,000 in back-to-school contributions.
Coke Florida believes education is critical to unlocking the potential of those who live in the communities the company serves.
“Throughout the state, many families continue to face economic hardships. We know it is critical to help alleviate these hardships in whatever ways we can,” said Percy L. Wells, II, Group Vice President of Government Relations, Public Affairs, and Communications. “Something as simple as a new backpack with school supplies provides much-needed resources that allow students to focus on being successful, in the classroom and beyond.”
Through the middle of August, Coke Florida will partner with nearly 40 different organizations to host backpack distribution events.
"Our longstanding partnership with Coke Florida has profoundly impacted the lives of students in Broward County and throughout the state,” said James A. Knapp, President & CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “Coke Florida’s steadfast commitment to education and community development has equipped thousands of students with the essential tools to succeed each school year. This collaboration has greatly alleviated the burden on families and empowered students to reach their full potential."
About Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) is the sixth largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Coke Florida markets, sells, manufactures, distributes, and merchandises products of The Coca-Cola Company in an exclusive territory that covers over 21 million consumers across 47 Florida counties that include the Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville metropolitan areas. The company employs over 5,000 associates and has four GreenCircle certified manufacturing facilities and eighteen sales and distribution centers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tampa, Coke Florida is the one of the largest Black-owned business in the United States and is Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified. In 2024, Coke Florida was recognized as a US Best Managed Company by Deloitte-Private and The Wall Street Journal for the third consecutive year. To learn more, visit www.cokeflorida.com.
