The Sustainability in the Food Industry Award, presented by The Shelby Report, honors trailblazers reducing environmental impact, supporting communities, and innovating across the food supply chain. This year, we’re spotlighting nominees in four key categories: Retailer Initiatives (e.g., energy-efficient stores and waste reduction), Vendor & Supply Chain Innovations (e.g., carbon-neutral logistics), Sustainable Workforce (e.g., employee training for green practices), and Collaborative Impact & Industry Leadership (e.g., industry-wide coalitions). These forward-thinking companies and organizations are driving real change in how we grow, package, and deliver food – proving sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s the future.
Discover this years innovators leading the charge in food industry sustainability – from farm to table.
2025 Sustainability Award Winners
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2025 Sustainability in the Food IndustryNatural Grocers
Lakewood, Colorado, Natural Grocers
Read MoreNatural Grocers believes access to science-based nutrition education is essential to building a healthier,more sustainable world. As the only national grocery retailer with a full-time, in-store nutritional health coach(NHC) in nearly every location, it has created a replicable model for delivering personalized, actionable education – right where food choices happen.
Nutrition education is one of Natural Grocers’ five founding principles and central to its mission to empower lasting change. By investing in education as a core offering, not a peripheral service, Natural Grocers advances community well-being, environmental responsibility and accessible health support.
Scalable model for in-store and community wellness
- NHCs are trained professionals who receive 164-plushours of continuing education annually, staying at the forefront of nutrition science and wellness trends.
- They offer free one-on-one coaching and personalized shopping support to customers and employees, giving practical guidance to improve health and lessen their environmental footprint.
- Complimentary nutrition education presentations engage customers and support the communities we serve.
- Education is delivered at the point of purchase,turning knowledge into daily action.
- Booking time with an NHC is simple – online, over the phone or in-store. Services are available to anyone pursuing wellness goals.
Strengthening communities through shared knowledge
NHCs lead free classes,workshops and community outreach programs,including the annual class series, “Three Essential Hacks to a Healthier You,” designed to inspire lasting lifestyle changes and support overall wellbeing. By making education approachable and accessible,it helps customers shift behaviors in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Blueprint for industry-wide impact
In a retail landscape focused on convenience and speed, Natural Grocers champions human connection and trusted expertise. Its nutrition education program offers a working model for embedding wellness, collaboration and sustainability into retail operations at scale.
This unique program creates a ripple effect – supporting healthier people, stronger communities and a food system aligned with long-term well-being. It’s a model built to share, adapt and inspire across the industry.
Presented by The Shelby-Griffin Report
The Shelby Report is the grocery industry’s leading news source, serving the food supply chain since 1967. With decades of in-depth journalism and strategic partnerships with NGA and FMI, we are dedicated to educating and informing the industry. We are proud to present this award to honor sustainability leaders.