# SUPERVALU: A Leader in Sustainable Food Management

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/supervalu-leader-sustainable-food-management/
- Published: 2011-12-22T00:33:58-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## SUPERVALU’s Food Recovery Efforts Earn National Recognition

In an era where sustainability and corporate responsibility are increasingly important,
SUPERVALU, Inc. has emerged. Especially as a leader in sustainable food management.
Their exceptional commitment to food recovery has not gone unnoticed. More importantly,
the company recently received the 2011 National Waste Wise Award Honorable Mention.

### A Commitment to Waste Reduction

[SUPERVALU](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/achieving-food-security-through-sustainable-living/),
Inc., a major player in the grocery retail and pharmacy industry. For it operates
well-known stores such as Albertsons, Shoppers, Jewel-Osco, and Shaw’s. In 2010,
the company made a significant shift towards prioritizing waste reduction and recycling.
This commitment was underscored by the creation of a new full-time position. A person
also dedicated to implementing a more successful waste diversion program.

![SUPERVALU](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_4083-
400x400.png?resize=400%2C400&quality=50&ssl=1)

### Impressive Results

The results of SUPERVALU’s efforts have been remarkable. In 2010 alone, through 
a partnership with Feeding America, the company:

 * Donated over 30,000 tons of edible but unsellable food to food banks
 * Diverted this food from landfills, saving more than $2.5 million in landfill 
   costs
 * Provided over 60 million pounds of food to feed hungry Americans

Jim Werntz, EPA Operations Director for Idaho, praised SUPERVALU’s efforts, stating,“
SUPERVALU’s efforts towards sustainable food management not only benefit people 
and the earth, they are good for the company’s bottom line.”

#### A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

SUPERVALU’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond food recovery. The company
has also been recognized by EPA’s GreenChill program for their efforts to reduce
refrigerant leaks and emissions in their stores.

Pete Pearson, SUPERVALU’s Director of Sustainability and National Accounts, emphasized
the company’s commitment to a “Triple Bottom Line” approach: “SUPERVALU and all 
its banners are focused on driving toward zero waste to get Triple Bottom Line results–
Good for People, Planet and Profits.”

### Looking Forward

SUPERVALU continues to push forward with ambitious waste reduction and sustainability
goals. The company has recently joined EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, collaborating
to identify and share best practices across the grocery sector.

### The Bigger Picture

SUPERVALU’s efforts are part of a larger movement addressing food waste and sustainability
in the retail sector. As the EPA notes, surplus food is second only to paper in 
materials sent to landfills, and much of this “waste” is actually safe, wholesome
food that could feed millions.

Other initiatives, such as the Food Recovery Challenge, are making significant impacts.
For instance, participants in this challenge alone diverted 370,000 tons of wasted
food from landfills.

However, challenges remain. A report by the World Wildlife Fund highlights how some
US grocery retailers are [inadvertently](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/nashville-predators-does-food-recovery-challenge/)
contributing to rainforest destruction through their supply chains, emphasizing 
the need for comprehensive sustainability strategies in the retail sector.

SUPERVALU’s success demonstrates that with commitment and innovation, retailers 
can make significant strides in sustainability, benefiting their bottom line, their
communities, and the planet.

For more information on how to save money, support your community, and protect the
environment, visit the EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge website: [http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge](http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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