UNFI Announces 2019 Report on Social and Environmental Responsibility

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 30, 2020

"UNFI has a long tradition of doing the right thing – giving back and operating our business in a way that minimizes our environmental footprint. As we grow, we remain committed to being good stewards of our planet, our communities, and our people," said Steven L. Spinner, UNFI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are particularly concerned about the effects of climate change and are actively working to evaluate and mitigate our climate impact. More than ever, I'm proud of the difference we've made on all fronts. Not only are we changing the face of grocery distribution, we continue to use our scale for better."

The Report was developed using two of the leading sustainability reporting frameworks as a reference – SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). Highlights are provided under each of three pillars, including:

Better for Our World

• Generated 5,745 MWh in on-site solar energy, equivalent to CO₂ emissions from the electricity use of 688 U.S. homes for one year.  
• Earned Management level score (B) for our 2019 disclosure to CDP Climate Change, reflecting an increased focus on evaluating the environmental impacts of our supply chain and a higher level of oversight of sustainability topics.
• Expanded our Ridgefield, WA distribution center by 541,000 square feet, using green building practices. This update is expected to reduce our energy usage by 54% and capture 90% of rainfall at that facility.

Better for Our Communities

• Awarded more than $1 million through the UNFI Foundation to nonprofits across the U.S. to support our mission of building better food systems and nurturing everyday health. To learn more visit www.unfifoundation.org.
• Spent $956 million with more than 1,200 women and minority-owned business, including direct and indirect spend with partners in merchandising, products, goods and services.
• Donated 33 million+ pounds of food– the equivalent of nearly 28 million meals.
• Supported the creation of more than 140,000 acres of new organic farmland through our UNFI Foundation grants.

Better for Our People