North American food wholesaler United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) announced today its Better for All 2030 sustainability program, with a series of commitments ranging from emissions reduction to food access and waste reduction. The company announced the launch of the new commitments along with the release of its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which included UNFI’s first disclosure aligned to recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD).

Steven L. Spinner, UNFI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“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. 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.”

According to UNFI, the new sustainability program is focused on six key priorities, including climate action, waste reduction, food safety, food access, safety and wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion. Some of the targets announced under the initiative include establishing science-based emissions reduction targets covering operational and value chain emissions (scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2022, sourcing 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2023, and achieving 50% reduction in food waste by 2025 and zero waste to landfill from distribution center operations by 2030, among others. UNFI has also committed to donate 250 million pounds of food – equivalent to approximately 208 million meals – by 2030.

Alisha Real, UNFI Director of Sustainability and Social Impact, said:

“The steps we will take over the next decade are critical to ensuring a future that is Better for All. UNFI impacts the lives of millions of people throughout North America and we are dedicated to taking meaningful action by activating our 27,000 associates, 15,000 customers, and more than 11,000 suppliers to accelerate progress toward achieving our near-term and 2030 commitments to transform the foodscape and our world.”