PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- United Natural
Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI), the largest publicly-traded grocery
distributor in the U.S., today released its 2019 Corporate Social
Responsibility Report. The report, now in its ninth annual edition,
reflects a comprehensive summary of the Company's progress on its
social and environmental commitments.
"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
- Renewed focus on safety puts the well-being of our associates
at the forefront of everything we do.
- Launched new wellness program for associates with bite-sized
tools and resources to encourage healthy habitats, like getting
enough sleep, being active, and eating healthy.
- Launched new volunteering and giving portal, making it easier
for our associates to join us in giving back.
- Created a new recognition program, encouraging our associates
to celebrate great work every day.
"We believe better food can only come from a healthy planet, and
we're focused on doing our part so that future generations have
access to clean air and water, and a safe and nutritious food
supply," said Alisha Real, UNFI
Senior Sustainability Manager and Executive Director of the UNFI
Foundation.
The full 2019 UNFI Corporate Social Responsibility Report is
available online at
https://www.unfi.com/sustainability-report-2019-overview.
Looking ahead, UNFI is conducting a materiality assessment to
prioritize social and environmental issues of key concern to the
business and its stakeholders, which will further inform the
Company's future sustainability commitments and initiatives. The
results of this strategy work will be shared in UNFI's 2020
report.
About United Natural Foods
UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler
delivering the widest variety of products to customer locations
throughout North America including
natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional
supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers, and food service
customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store' selection and
compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely positioned to
deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers
everywhere. UNFI is the largest publicly-traded grocery distributor
in America. To learn more about how UNFI is Moving Food
Forward, visit www.unfi.com.
Contacts
For Investors:
Steve Bloomquist, Vice President,
Investor Relations
952-828-4144
steve.j.bloomquist@unfi.com
For Media:
Jeff Swanson, Vice President,
Corporate Communications and Media Relations
952-903-1645
jeffrey.s.swanson@unfi.com
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SOURCE United Natural Foods, Inc.