The Food Industry Holds the Power to Shape Communities

FMI announces the 2025 recipients of the Community Uplift Awards. 

By: Heather Garlich, Senior Vice President, Insights, Education & Communications, FMI 

In today’s value-driven marketplace, the food industry holds more than just purchasing power: It embraces the power to shape communities. We know from our annual operations research that our members are redefining what “value” truly means through convenience, quality, relevance and even entertainment. But they are far humbler when it comes to touting the significant investments they’re making in social responsibility and community outreach programs.  

In all, grocers and food brands are pillars of neighborhood connection and provide comfort to consumers. 

As the food industry association, it’s our privilege to highlight the meaningful ways our members serve their customers and communities, and one of my favorite opportunities is to showcase the 2025 Community Uplift Awards. Presented by FMI, these awards honor initiatives that channel the full force of brand purpose, mobilizing strength to fight food insecurity, uplift community health and spark lasting social impact. 

Out of 23 inspiring nominations, this year’s top honors go to Giant Food, Hy-Vee, Inc. and United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI). 

• Giant Food earned recognition in the Food Insecurity Program category for its Food as Medicine initiative. By integrating nutrition, healthcare partnerships and retail technology, Giant has enabled over $1.5 million in healthy food purchases since 2021. Participants receive curated, health-supportive foods through their loyalty platform, reducing stigma and improving access for those with chronic illness or limited food security.  

• In the Neighborhood Health Improvement category, Hy-Vee, Inc. stood out for its work with the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign. Through a register roundup effort and free CPR education, Hy-Vee raised over $265,000 and reached 1.3 million people—advancing heart health awareness while empowering customers with life-saving skills.  

• UNFI was honored in the Social Impact category for its Food Recovery Initiative, part of the company’s broader Better for All strategy. In 2024 alone, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of surplus food and supported nonprofits that collectively recovered over 40 million pounds. With a goal of donating 250 million pounds by 2030, UNFI is tackling food waste and strengthening food access at scale.  

• Honorable mentions were also awarded to Red Gold, Brookshire Grocery Company, and Southeastern Grocers for their notable contributions.  

The power to create change doesn’t always make headlines; sometimes, it’s much more subtle. Our industry proves that when brand purpose is put into action, communities aren’t just served – they’re strengthened. 

Supported by The Shelby Report, the FMI Community Uplift Awards celebrate not only these recipients but a food industry that is deeply committed to serving others.

Check out all the nominees