The UNFI Foundation has announced $1.8 million in impact investments and grants – the largest in its history – benefiting 80 nonprofits across North America that are driving change in the food sector.
The 2025 grantee cohort represents a mix of national and local organizations across 32 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
“Since its founding, the UNFI Foundation has partnered with community organizations to support growers, improve access to quality food and help protect the planet we share,” said Matt Echols, chief corporate affairs officer of UNFI and UNFI Foundation board chair.
“Our latest cohort of 80 grant recipients reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that deliver better food to more communities in a more sustainable way. We are inspired by their dedication and look forward to supporting their progress.”
With this round of funding, the 2025 cohort of grantees is leading transformative efforts in their communities – advancing food systems that are more equitable, sustainable and resilient.
Grantees such as the Nature Conservancy and the Sustainable Food Lab are bringing together farmers, conservationists and policy makers to find practical ways to make climate-friendly farming more achievable.
Farm Connect Montana pairs farmers who are shifting to organic practices with experienced mentors. Through these efforts, hundreds of producers will get help working toward organic certification and sustainable land stewardship.
RePlate is using technology to rescue surplus food and deliver prepared meals to those facing food insecurity. With support from organizations like York Region Food Network, millions of pounds of extra food will be rerouted to communities in need, helping reduce waste and fight hunger.
“The support of the UNFI Foundation has enabled us to expand our reach, recover more surplus food and deliver nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity,” said Maen Mahfoud, CEO of RePlate.
Organizations such as Project Potluck and NMSDC’s ACRES program are empowering underserved food entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, hands-on guidance and funding. Together, they’re expected to support more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, helping them earn new certifications, grow their business and gain access to capital.
Through investments in place-based organizations such as the Common Market and the Good Acre, local food hubs will reach more families with fresh, healthy food, while also strengthening local farms and food systems. These programs foster direct farm-to-table connections, increase purchases from local producers and build the infrastructure needed to make food more available and reliable.
The nonprofits that have received funds include:
- California – Alchemist CDC, CASE Community Alliance to Support and Empower, CCOF Foundation, Food Forward Inc., Hollywood Food Coalition, Mandela Partners, Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, Project Potluck, Organic Farming Research Foundation, Re-Plate (DBA Replate), San Diego Food System Alliance, Zero Foodprint;
- Canada – Food Banks Canada, York Region Food Network;
- Colorado – Mad Agriculture, Mountain Roots Project, Nourish Colorado, Smart Bellies;
- Connecticut – Interfaith Human Services of Putnam;
- Florida – Kim’s Krew Inc., Mothers Helping Mothers, Policy Partners Inc.;
- Hawaii – Common Ground Collective;
- Illinois – ReFED Inc.;
- Indiana – Food Finders Food Bank Inc.;
- Iowa – CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank;
- Louisiana – Sprout Nola, Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation;
- Maine – Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association;
- Maryland – Freedmen Heirs Foundation Inc.;
- Massachusetts – Just Roots Inc., Hilltown Community Development Corporation, Hmong American Farmers Association, Venture Café Foundation;
- Minnesota – 21 Roots Farm, Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC Food Shelf), Bountiful Basket Food Shelf Of Eastern Carver County, Loaves and Fishes Too, Open Arms of Minnesota, People Reaching Out to People, Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, The Food Group Minnesota Inc., The Good Acre;
- Mississippi – Extra Table Feeds;
- Montana – Farm Connect Montana, REAP (Raytown Emergency Assistance Program);
- New Hampshire – Land For Good Inc.;
- New Mexico – Not Our Farm;
- New York – National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc., Second Chance Foods;
- Ohio – Lebanon Food Pantry;
- Oregon – Oregon Tilth Inc.;
- Pennsylvania – Monocacy Farms, The Common Market, The Food Trust;
- Rhode Island – 15 Minute Field Trips, Hope & Main, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Good Neighbors Community Kitchen and Food Pantry, Higher Ground International, McAuley Ministries, Plates With Purpose, Rhode Island Public Health Foundation Inc., Rhode Island Food Policy Council, Southside Community Land Trust;
- Texas – La Tiendita, Sustainable Food Center;
- Vermont – Sustainable Food Lab;
- Virginia – Kitchen of Purpose, Reaching Beyond the Walls RVA, The Nature Conservancy;
- Washington – Climate Collaborative, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation;
- Washington, D.C. – DC Central Kitchen, FoodRecovery.org, Food Recovery Network; and
- Wisconsin – Paul’s Pantry, Hunger Task Force.
To learn more about the 2025 recipients and past impact, visit the UNFI Foundation website.
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