EPA recognizes Kroger for leadership in reducing food waste

Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to reduce food waste.



Kroger participated in the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge and came out on top in three categories: Leadership, Innovation, and Education and Outreach.



"Kroger is proud to be part of the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, and honored by this recognition," said Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, Kroger's director of sustainability. "While all of our associates play an essential role in our food recovery operation, our retail operations team in particular deserves credit for bringing that program to life in all of our stores. We remain committed to finding solutions to reduce food waste – because it is good for business, our communities and the environment."



As part of the company's food recovery strategy in grocery stores, Kroger's Perishable Donations Partnership is responsible for the equivalent of 38 million meals of healthy, perishable food donated to local Feeding America food banks to help feed hungry families last year. Kroger's retail operations team has implemented an organic recycling program in 1,000 stores across the country. This program utilizes composting and animal feed to limit the amount of food going into landfills.



Kroger was the first major retailer in the United States to develop a clean energy production system that converts food that cannot be sold or donated into clean energy. The facility provides a quarter of the power needed to run the company's Ralphs/Food 4 Less distribution center in Compton, California.