One of the most critical roles that grocery industry companies undertake is being responsible stewards regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments. The importance of these efforts is highlighted by Progressive Grocer’s 2024 Impact Awards, which proudly recognizes 75 honorees chosen from nearly 200 nominees across various retailers, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, and solution providers. This commitment suggests that the push towards making the world a better place is stronger than ever.

PG has honored companies for their exceptional achievements in categories such as Community Service/Local Impact, Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Educational Support/Learning Advancement, and more. Each award recipient has demonstrated their dedication not just in their local communities, but also on a global scale, ensuring consumers that they truly uphold their ESG goals.

Community Service and Local Impact

Among this year’s notable honorees is Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., whose employee charitable foundation, AWG Cares, sponsors an Annual Day of Service. Employees from various locations unite to assist their communities through beautification projects, food packing for local shelters, and participation in charity events. It’s not just a one-time event, as AWG employees engage in clothing and food drives throughout the year, exemplifying the impact of their commitment.

Another inspiring example comes from the Brattleboro Food Co-op in Vermont. A bylaw change allows shareholders to earn a discount by volunteering at local nonprofits. This initiative led to a remarkable 55% increase in volunteer hours, with participants benefiting from a discount while contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Giant Food has developed the Giant Gives Grant program, which empowers its associates to effect change in their communities by offering grants for volunteer work. For instance, associates can donate $300 to a nonprofit after volunteering for ten hours, resulting in over 1,800 community service hours in 2023 alone. This not only encourages employee involvement but also elevates their connection to community needs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The Circana Diversity Advantage Program (DAP) is an excellent model for fostering equity in the grocery industry. Launched in 2021, the program provides support for minority- and women-owned small CPG businesses. With over 250 employees engaging in volunteer hours, the program has grown significantly, showcasing an essential step toward inclusive growth across the sector.

Dollar General has also integrated diversity and inclusion into its corporate culture. Initiatives foster an environment where employees can express their unique identities, leading to a 250% increase in participation in employee resource groups focused on various commonalities.

Educational Support and Learning Advancement

Education plays a crucial role in building a supportive future within the industry, as illustrated by BriarPatch Food Co-op. Their Apples for Gardens program donates 10 cents per pound of apples sold to local school gardens, ensuring schools receive necessary funds for garden educators and infrastructure. Since its inception, over $50,000 has been raised, advancing educational opportunities.

Likewise, Lunds & Byerlys responded to the changing grocery landscape with a training program that integrates classroom learning with practical experience. Over 16 culinary professionals have graduated, demonstrating a commitment to career advancement within the industry by enhancing customer satisfaction and sales.

Ethical Sourcing and Food Security Leadership

Albertsons Companies has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing through its Responsible Seafood Program. By ensuring transparency in supply chains, it builds customer trust regarding the seafood they buy, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of ocean resources.

In the realm of food security, Giant Eagle has introduced the Mobile Market, a grocery store on wheels, tailored for food deserts in its communities. This innovative approach ensures consistent access to fresh and nutritious food, directly addressing food access challenges.

Flashfood, a marketplace that reduces food waste by connecting consumers with discounts on near-expiration food products, has also made strides in food security. In 2024, it achieved the significant milestone of diverting 100 million pounds of food waste from landfills, equating to approximately 83 million meals saved.

Philanthropic Innovation and Corporate Giving

Philanthropic efforts in the grocery sector are not just about charitable donations. SpartanNash hosted its annual Helping Hands Day, during which associates packed over 15,000 meal boxes and toiletry kits for disaster relief. Such initiatives reflect a broader understanding of corporate responsibility in times of crisis.

CLEAN Cause has committed 50% of its net profits to support individuals in recovery from addiction, showcasing the powerful intersection of business and social impact. Their dedication to community health not only creates job opportunities but directly supports recovery efforts.

Sustainability Efforts

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of many honorees’ missions. ALDI recently became the first major U.S. retailer to eliminate plastic shopping bags, effectively preventing nearly 9 million pounds of plastic from entering circulation. Sustainable practices are not only a trend but a necessity for forward-thinking retailers.

Lundberg Family Farms has emerged as a leader in regenerative agriculture, making significant strides in transitioning its operations to include regenerative organic certified rice. Their commitment exemplifies innovation in food production aimed at restoring environmental health.

Conclusion

The 2024 Impact Awards illustrate that companies in the grocery sector are not merely fulfilling regulatory requirements but actively championing vital societal and environmental initiatives. These honorees represent a shift towards a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable industry. Their efforts send a clear message to consumers and competitors alike: doing good is not just an obligation but a pathway to long-term business success.

Let’s draw inspiration from these initiatives that pave the way for a better future in grocery retail, highlighting the transformative role that businesses can play in society.