Whole Foods Market is shaking things up with its “Surprise Bag” program in partnership with the Too Good To Go app. They’ve rolled out seven new categories of surplus food, available at over 530 stores nationwide. With more than 17 million users on the app, customers can now grab bags filled with items like produce, seafood, meat, frozen goods, and even floral items—all at about one-third of retail prices.
This initiative began in July 2024, focusing initially on bakery and prepared foods. It’s been a hit, saving over 1.6 million meals from ending up in the trash.
Caitlin Leibert, VP of Sustainability at Whole Foods, emphasizes that reducing food waste can make a big impact. She stated, “Every effort to reduce food waste is an opportunity to nourish people and the planet.” Expanding this program brings more value to customers and supports a more sustainable food future.
Food waste is a growing concern, and many supermarkets are taking action. For instance,
- Price Chopper/Market 32 recently partnered with Invafresh to enhance waste forecasting.
- Giant Food has diverted nearly 80 million pounds of food waste since early 2022.
- Starbucks joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact, collaborating with major retailers like Aldi and Walmart.
- Ikea has teamed up with Vanguard Renewables to manage food waste in its restaurants.
These efforts reflect a broader trend where businesses recognize the importance of sustainability in their operations. A recent survey showed that 72% of consumers prefer to shop at stores that focus on reducing food waste. This shift isn’t just good for the environment; it resonates with shoppers who want to make a positive impact with their choices.
By tackling food waste, companies like Whole Foods and its partners encourage a community-focused approach, making sustainable choices more accessible to everyone.
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