FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Uplift Awards.
Among the 23 nominees, a panel of judges selected three community uplift programs for their standout efforts in addressing food insecurity, neighborhood health needs and social impact programs.
Winners of the 2025 Community Uplift Award are Giant Food, Hy-Vee Inc. and United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI). In addition, FMI recognizes honorable mentions for each category.
“Community engagement and neighborhood improvement are more than nice-sounding words for the food industry; they are commitments being realized every day. This year’s recipients give evidence that the food industry’s customer support goes well beyond the walls of the local store,” said FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin.
“Giant Food, Hy-Vee and UNFI have each demonstrated how industry leadership, when paired with compassion and creativity, can drive lasting change. We are proud to recognize these companies for going beyond business as usual to build stronger, healthier communities.”
Food Insecurity Program Award Recipient
Giant Food – Food as Medicine
Giant Food’s Food as Medicine program leverages community partnerships and healthcare collaboration to increase access to nutritious food for individuals facing food insecurity or chronic illness. Funded through grants and activated via Giant’s loyalty platform, participants receive automatic coverage for curated, health-supportive foods at checkout. Rooted in data and guided by the Guiding Stars nutrition system, the program has enabled more than $1.5 million in healthy food purchases since 2021. By combining retail innovation with public health priorities, Food as Medicine supports long-term wellness, reduces stigma and reflects Giant’s mission to be a better neighbor and to champion holistic community health.
Food Insecurity Honorable Mention Recipient: Red Gold Run To Crush Hunger
Neighborhood Health Improvement Program Award Recipient
Hy-Vee Inc. – Hy-Vee Supports the American Heart Association Through Fundraising and Education
Hy-Vee partnered with the American Heart Association to support its Life Is Why campaign, raising more than $265,000 in May through a register roundup initiative across its stores. The campaign also provided free CPR education in four markets, helping customers and employees learn life-saving skills.
By combining fundraising with accessible education, Hy-Vee amplified awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke while reinforcing its commitment to healthier communities. The initiative reached more than 1.3 million through media coverage and internal engagement. This partnership reflects Hy-Vee’s broader mission to make lives easier, healthier and happier – one customer and community at a time.
Neighborhood Health Improvement Honorable Mention Recipient: Brookshire Grocery Company, BCG Community Kitchen
Social Impact Program Award Recipient
UNFI – Food Recovery Initiative
UNFI is advancing food recovery nationwide through its Better for All strategy and UNFI Foundation grants. In fiscal year 2024, UNFI donated more than 20 million pounds of surplus food and launched recovery initiatives at UNFI-selling shows, diverting tens of thousands of pounds to food banks.
The UNFI Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits, supporting community-based solutions that collectively recovered more than 40 million pounds of food. With goals to halve food waste and donate 250 million pounds by 2030, UNFI is building a more sustainable, efficient and equitable food system – benefiting people and the planet.
Social Impact Honorable Mention Recipient: Southeastern Grocers, From Classroom to Career with SEG
About the Community Uplift Awards
In collaboration with FMI’s strategic partner, The Shelby Report, a panel of judges scored each program based on participation, ability to address community need, breadth and depth of the program and creativity. Our panel of judges included The Shelby Report‘s VP and Publisher Maggie Kaeppel and Associate Professor and Chair of Food, Pharma and Healthcare Department at Saint Joseph’s University Ernest Baskin.
The three program recipients each receive $1,000 to help expand their community uplift program, along with a commemorative plaque. They will be recognized by FMI and The Shelby Report for their outstanding efforts online and in print.
Learn more about its 2025 Community Uplift Award recipients and the stories among the nominees, including The Fresh Market, Strack & Van Til, Winn Dixie, SpartanNash, Stop & Shop, Schnucks, Dollar General, Briar Patch Food Co Op and Hannaford at www.FMI.org/CommunityUplift.
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