250 Million Pounds and Counting: UNFI Reaches Food Donation Milestone Ahead of Schedule

September 9, 2026          5 minute read

UNFI has surpassed its goal of donating 250 million pounds of food to communities across North America, four years ahead of its original target with 251,756,233 pounds donated since 2020. 

The goal reflects UNFI’s commitment to advancing it’s Better for All impact strategy and supporting healthier, more nourished communities. By redirecting surplus food to people facing hunger, UNFI is helping improve access to quality food while reducing waste across its supply chain. This reflects how operational effectiveness and efficiency can support both business objectives and community impact.

“This achievement reflects what’s possible when our associates and community partners work together to help get quality food to people who need it,” said Alisha Real, Vice President of Sustainability & Impact at UNFI. “While we’re encouraged by this progress, we know food insecurity remains a challenge, and we’ll continue working with our partners to improve access to quality food.”

Advancing Food Access Through Partnerships

This milestone was made possible through strong, long-standing partnerships with food banks and hunger relief organizations, including the Feeding America® network. Together, these partnerships help ensure that food that might otherwise go uneaten is efficiently redirected to communities.

“Nearly 48 million people, including over 14 million children, experience food insecurity in our country. We're grateful for partners like UNFI who share in our commitment to helping increase food access and support food banks while strengthening food recovery efforts that connect more nutritious food for neighbors. Together, we’re helping ensure more people can access quality food.” -Brit Videbeck, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Feeding America

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, a Feeding America partner food bank and UNFI partner for more than 15 years, has played a key role in advancing this work. Through real-time coordination and local distribution, UNFI is able to move surplus food quickly y to partner organizations and the communities they serve.

“UNFI has been one of our largest donors, providing high-quality, nutritious food to our neighbors through grocery distribution, meal programs, and client-choice pantries,” said Allie Rothenberger, Regional Food Rescue Manager at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. “These donations not only meet essential needs, but also give people the ability to choose foods that fit their preferences and families.”

Partnerships like this are built on day-to-day collaboration, with UNFI associates playing a critical role in making food donations happen. UNFI teams work closely with local food banks to identify available donations and ensure they are stored, handled, and distributed safely. By strengthening processes and building strong relationships with frontline organizations, UNFI can donate excess food while helping customers and suppliers extend the value of their products.

Looking Ahead

While this milestone reflects significant progress, the need for accessible, nutritious food remains. UNFI will continue focusing on food access interventions, including how a next-generation goal could further expand its impact.

As UNFI looks ahead, its focus remains on building resilient supply chains, reducing waste, and improving access to quality food, helping create a future that is better for all.