As part of its “50 for 50” initiative marking the company’s 50th anniversary, United Natural Foods Inc. and the UNFI Foundation will award $2 million in grants to 50 nonprofits across all U.S. states in 2026.
The announcement came during UNFI’s first Spring and Summer Selling Show of 2026 in Long Beach, California, honoring the state where the company was founded in 1976.
UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas and Michael Funk, co-founder and board member, joined 3,500 retail customers, suppliers and community partners at the event.
“For 50 years, UNFI has believed that better food builds stronger communities,” Douglas said.
“As we mark this milestone, we want to honor the people and partners who share that belief and work every day to make our industry vibrant, resilient and sustainable. The UNFI Foundation’s ’50 for 50′ initiative is another way to recognize this work – and invest in a better shared future.”
The foundation awarded its first grant of $10,000 to Food Finders, a Southern California nonprofit that recovers surplus food and redistributes it to communities facing food insecurity. Douglas, Funk and UNFI Foundation Chair Matt Echols presented the grant.
“We’re honored to be the first grantee of the UNFI Foundation’s ’50 for 50′ initiative,” said Diana Lara, executive director of Food Finders. “This support helps us continue expanding our food recovery efforts and ensures more families across Southern California have access to nutritious meals.”
Food Finders rescued more than 15 million pounds of food in 2024, turning potential waste into millions of meals.
Legacy partners recognized
Providence, Rhode Island-based UNFI presented the Michael Funk Legacy Award to Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op and Lundberg Family Farms, honoring businesses that pioneered innovation and sustainability in food retail.
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, one of UNFI’s earliest customers, was recognized for its decades-long commitment to local farmers, sustainable practices and community education.
Lundberg Family Farms, a UNFI supplier since 1976, was recognized for multigenerational leadership in organic rice production, regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship.
“Our industry has long been shaped by pioneers who believed in doing the right thing – for people and for the planet,” Funk said. “Partners like Sacramento Natural Foods Co‑op and Lundberg Family Farms have helped transform natural and organic food from a movement to the mainstream, and UNFI is proud to have supported their growth along the way.”
Brian Munn, president and general manager of Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, reflected on the company’s long partnership with UNFI.
“From our early days as a small buying club to the co-op we are today, UNFI has consistently supported our mission, our growth, and our commitment to local and sustainable food. We’re honored to receive the Michael Funk Legacy Award and appreciate the role UNFI continues to play in supporting our cooperative food systems.”
Selling show details
UNFI’s West Spring and Summer Selling Show in Long Beach brought together more than 1,700 retail representatives and some 1,800 supplier brands across natural, organic, fresh, specialty and conventional categories.
Exhibitors showcased thousands of products designed to help retailers prepare for upcoming seasons.
UNFI will hold its Central/East Spring and Summer Show Feb. 11-12 in Orlando, Florida.
[RELATED: UNFI Adds 50 Private Label Products Focused On Wellness, Snacking Trends]