UNFI Commits to 10-Year Targets in Waste Reduction, Climate Action and Food Access

One of UNFI's goals is to establish science-based emissions reduction targets covering operational and value chain emissions (scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2022.

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United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) released its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report which showcases the company’s commitments to building a brighter future, transforming today’s foodscape by delivering greater freedom of food choice and by taking innovative action on global social and environmental issues.

“As pioneers in our industry since 1976, leading by example on pressing social and environmental issues is both part of our DNA and our inherent responsibility,” said Steven L. Spinner, UNFI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “UNFI made great strides in building our wholesale, services, and brands business in 2020 while putting a heightened focus on issues such as the safety and wellbeing of our associates and the communities we serve. As we look to the future, we now have an exciting plan to pursue real solutions for climate change, food justice and insecurity as well as diversity and inclusion. We view ourselves as a force for positive change, helping to define the future of food.”

To ensure progress against each of these areas, UNFI has established several consequential goals and commitments, including:

• Establish science-based emissions reduction targets covering operational and value chain emissions (scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2022

• 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2023

• 50% reduction in food waste by 2025

• Zero waste to landfill from distribution center operations by 2030

• 30% reduction in distribution center energy intensity by 2030

• Donate 250 million pounds of food–equivalent to approximately 208 million meals by 2030

• Log 200,000 associate volunteer hours by 2030 2020 Progress 

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