Sustainability and Social Impact
Solar arrays
Suppliers in UNFI’s Climate Action Partnership
Associate-led Belonging and Innovation Groups
Pounds of food donated since 2020
Building a food system that is better for all
At UNFI, we’re not just about moving food; we’re committed to making a positive impact on the world around us. As the largest wholesale food distributor in North America, we recognize the role we play in an industry whose impact on the environment is great and the responsibility we have to mitigate our impact.
Sustainability at UNFI
UNFI has prioritized environmental, social, and governance issues based on where we can effect the greatest change.
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Climate Action
We invest in renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency initiatives to decrease our greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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Community Development
We partner with local community organizations and mobilize our associates to give back throughout the year via our robust corporate volunteerism program and commitment to regular food donations.
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Food Safety
We adhere to rigorous food safety standards and quality control measures, provide ongoing training for our staff, and continuously monitor and evaluate our process to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We promote associate-led Belonging and Innovation Groups, implement efforts to close the representation gap among management roles, and invest in wellbeing programs across UNFI to foster inclusivity and empower associates to reach their full potential.
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Responsible Procurement
We advance soil health, zero deforestation, and animal welfare, and partner with suppliers through the Climate Action Partnership, promoting supply chain transparency and advancing responsible upstream production practices.
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Waste Reduction
We reduce waste generation and increase our savings by developing innovative reporting systems that provide increased inventory visibility and enable better buying decisions for our customers.
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Our 2023 Impact
- Transitioned 100% of our U.S. Distribution Centers to LED lighting.
- Deployed 10 electric yard trucks, up from 2 in FY2022.
- Diverted 62% of waste from landfills.
- Granted $1.03 million to 66 nonprofit organizations via the UNFI Foundation.
- Supported 28 Black farmers with wraparound support through the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s ACRES Program.
Join Us to Build a Better Food System
UNFI works across the food value chain, impacting a diversity of stakeholders involved in producing and delivering products to households across North America. From growers to warehouse associates, from truck drivers to community grocers, we invest in programs and partnerships that build more equitable food systems and add value at every link in the chain.
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UNFI Foundation
UNFI Foundation
Non-profits can apply for funding to support programming and initiatives that advance sustainable and equitable food systems.
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Supplier Diversity
Supplier Diversity
UNFI is committed to developing, fostering, and retaining relationships with diverse businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans (and service-disabled veterans), and members of the LGBTQ community and providing supplier opportunities that can offer quality, innovative, competitive, and cost-effective products, and services to our supply chain.
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Workforce Diversity
Workforce Diversity
We continue to collaborate with our associates to create pathways toward equity, including new policies, training resources, and associate resource groups.
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A Part of our Mission Since the Beginning
At UNFI, being a responsible and sustainable company is a part of who we are. Through the years, we've dedicated ourselves to initiatives like installing solar arrays, achieving LEED certification, and actively engaging with our communities by donating food and launching programs to support our associates. We've aligned with global climate initiatives and developed a comprehensive sustainability plan to steer our ongoing efforts. Today, we're intensifying our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting ambitious climate targets, and expanding our renewable energy portfolio. While our journey is continuous and evolving, it remains driven by our commitment to putting our values into action.
Learn more about our impact