UNFI Foundation's "50 for 50" Initiative

Company : UNFI
Program category : Food Insecurity

Origins:

In 2026, UNFI celebrated 50 years of delivering better food. To recognize this milestone, the UNFI Foundation launched the “50 for 50” initiative, investing in one nonprofit organization in every US state and Canada. The initiative reflects UNFI’s commitment to nourishing communities by investing in local partners that are expanding food access, strengthening regional food systems, and building long-term resilience. Building on the Foundation’s established annual giving of $1,000,000 and $1.5 million annually, through this campaign we have committed to giving a total of more than $2 million in 2026. Grants support programs that strengthen local food systems and align with the Foundation’s four focus areas: climate-smart agriculture, food access innovations, food equity, and local food economies. As of July 2026, the Foundation has funded 70 organizations across 38 states. What differentiates this effort from our traditional grantmaking is its collaborative approach: we actively engage UNFI customers, suppliers and associates in identifying and nominating nonprofit organizations, with associates helping to review applications. This model deepens connections across the UNFI network while helping ensure Foundation funding is directed toward organizations with strong community ties and demonstrated impact. Beyond grant funding, the initiative connects nonprofits to UNFI’s broader network through volunteerism, marketing efforts, and features at UNFI Selling Shows. Read more about our "50 for 50" campaign grantees: https://www.unfifoundation.org/50for50.html

Contribution:

The UNFI Foundation has committed to granting more than $2 million in 2026 to support the “50 for 50” initiative, an increase in typical annual giving. Community participation is central to the program’s design. UNFI customers, suppliers, and associates actively nominate nonprofit organizations, while associates also support the application review process. This collaborative approach strengthens engagement across UNFI’s network and helps ensure selected organizations reflect local priorities and community needs. In addition to funding, UNFI associates contribute through volunteerism, including group volunteerism and skills-based volunteering engagements. Associates provide hands-on support and 1:1 technical assistance to help nonprofit partners strengthen operations, extend program reach, and increase long-term effectiveness.

Objectives:

The "50 for 50” initiative is designed to:
• Expand access to funding for non-profit organizations across all 50 states and Canada
• Strengthen local and regional food systems through targeted investment
• Advance food access, opportunities, and climate-smart agricultural practices
• Foster collaboration among UNFI customers, suppliers, associates, and nonprofit partners
• Increase visibility and growth opportunities for nonprofit grantees through integration into UNFI events and networks Taken collectively, these objectives aim to empower local organizations to create more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Impact:

The success of the "50 for 50” initiative is measured through a combination of reach, engagement, and community outcomes. As of July 2026, the Foundation has funded 70 organizations across 38 states in rural and urban environments, which is considerable progress towards our goal of funding an organization in all 50 states and Canada by the end of calendar year 2026. UNFI associates have already volunteered with several of the grantee organizations through group volunteering and providing 1:1 technical assistance. Through volunteering, associates are building relationships with nonprofits while helping strengthen their overall operations and expand their impact. The campaign also creates opportunities to celebrate and elevate nonprofit partners alongside UNFI's customers and suppliers. At UNFI's Selling Shows, the Foundation presented Hope & Main, Rhode Island's "50 for 50” grant recipient, and Three Square, Nevada’s “50 for 50” grant recipient, with grants and complimentary exhibitor booth space. Hope & Main helps underserved food entrepreneurs launch and scale consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses, aligning with UNFI's commitment to fostering innovative emerging brands, while Three Square served as the event's food recovery partner, rescuing more than 40,000 pounds of surplus product samples from the show floor and redirecting them to hunger relief organizations across Southern Nevada. These grants fund a variety of community needs, including local food purchasing, farmers’ transitions to regenerative agriculture, and food entrepreneurial trainings. Since the grants are in their initial stages, we will collect a robust set of metrics to analyze impact when the grants close in 2027.

Quote:

“As we mark UNFI’s 50th anniversary, the UNFI Foundation’s “50 for 50” initiative is one way we bring our purpose – Better Food, Better Future – to life. Through this initiative, we’re expanding our investment in organizations that are improving food access, supporting local suppliers, and building more resilient food systems. Together with our customers, suppliers, and associates, we’re providing critical funding while building connections that can create lasting value in the communities we serve.” – Matt Echols, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and UNFI Foundation Board Chair

Support Statement:

“UNFI support has been invaluable. There aren’t many big food companies that have a foundation, that are philanthropic, and that are looking for mission aligned projects and organizations. We’re proud to join the other food nonprofits in the UNFI Foundation’s “50 for 50” initiative and look forward to the impact we will all make.” – Lisa Raiola, President and Co-Founder of Hope & Main