Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has launched its Climate Action Partnership to encourage its suppliers to make credible climate commitments.
The program builds on UNFI’s Climate Action Hub, which was developed in partnership with the Climate Collaborative, a nonprofit with a mission to catalyze bold climate action within the grocery industry, and offers UNFI suppliers a variety of tools and resources to innovate and scale climate solutions across the food system.
The Climate Action Partnership is one of the key pillars of UNFI’s “Better for All” strategy and is aligned with its validated science-based emissions reduction targets covering the organization’s operations and value chain. Through its initial outreach efforts, UNFI’s Climate Action Partnership has confirmed more than 40 participants, including Conagra, Bob’s Red Mill, Dr. Bronner’s, Gaia Herbs, Danone and Lundberg Family Farm.
To become a Climate Action Partner, suppliers must make a credible climate commitment through approved third-party organizations, including the Climate Collaborative, Climate Neutral, The Climate Pledge, the Science Based Targets initiative or the SME Climate Hub, which have established requirements around transparency and reporting and prioritize an emissions-reduction approach.
“As one of the country’s largest wholesalers, we understand the leadership role we can play in reducing climate impact across our value chain and the opportunity we have to facilitate collective problem solving on the most critical climate challenges,” said Alisha Real, VP of ESG and social impact.
“We can’t do it alone however, and the launch of the Climate Action Partnership is an important next step to supporting our suppliers along their respective climate journeys and ultimately, supporting UNFI on our own journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“By encouraging our suppliers to set climate goals, we are also making it easier for our customers to choose products that take action on climate. It’s a win-win for all, and a collective step forward to addressing some of today’s most urgent issues.”
To learn how to become a Climate Action Partner, visit discover.unfi.com/climate-partner.
