We appreciate every program submitted for our Community Uplift Awards and over the years we've developed an archive of interesting programs that highlight best
practices in community programs. Below are lists of our nominees and winners to help inspire your community uplift program.
Nominees
Click below to see nominees submitted each year and to get ideas for your own community uplift program.2025 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2024 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2023 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2022 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2021 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2020 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2019 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2018 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2017 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2016 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2015 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2014 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2013 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2012 Nominations
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
Winners
Click below to see the grocers doing good that stood out.
2024 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2024 Honorable Mentions
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2023 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2023 Honorable Mentions
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2022 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2021 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2020 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2020 Honorable Mentions
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2019 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2018 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2017 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2016 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2015 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2014 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2013 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
2012 Winners
Food Recovery Initiative
• In FY2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of food to communities across North America.
• In FY2025, UNFI launched our food recovery initiative at our four UNFI selling shows. At our January selling show, we facilitated the donation of more than 28,000 pounds of food to Feeding San Diego which was then donated to communities in need. At our February show, we facilitated more than 18,000 pounds to Second Harvest Foodbank of Central Florida.
• In FY2023, the UNFI Foundation honed our focus to have a principal strategy on food recovery. Since then, we’ve built a portfolio of powerful food recovery organizations such as Foodrecovery.org, Food Forward, and RePlate. In FY2024, the UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting food recovery and access initiatives.
• Our first cohort of food recovery grantees reported recovering over 40 million pounds of food and rerouting to those in need.
• Reduce food waste by 50% from distribution centers by 2025 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2030.
• Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030.
• Increase food access for vulnerable and low-income populations by recovering and redistributing surplus food.
• Support and scale community-based food recovery solutions through strategic grants and partnerships.
• Distribute $1.6M in grants to community-based food solutions.
Our food recovery initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact:
• UNFI foundation grantees report their impact on an annual basis. Grants have enabled partners like FoodRecovery.org to reroute more than 240,000 pounds of surplus food to those in need and supported over 60 nonprofits working on food access initiatives. In FY24, one third of our grantees reported on food recovery efforts.
• UNFI’s technology-driven inventory management and reverse logistics systems have increased efficiency in food waste diversion, with 84% of food waste from distribution centers being recovered through donation, composting, or animal feed operations.
• Community participation is robust, with associates contributing volunteer hours and local teams guiding grantmaking to ensure alignment with community needs.
“Our Better for All strategy is about connecting the dots in the food system, linking farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, in a way that benefits everyone. We are committed to creating a sustainable business, and our food recovery efforts are central to that mission.”
- Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, UNFI and Board Chair, UNFI Foundation
"As the CEO of RePlate, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact of UNFI's commitment to food recovery. The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food, and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity."
- Maen Mahfoud, CEO RePlate
- Social Impact
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