Raley's deploys food waste diversion platform across all stores
The Raley’s Companies has entered a new partnership to rescue food from landfills.
The regional grocer has implemented circular economy company Divert’s platform in all of its 118 retail store locations across California and Nevada, saving food from being wasted and instead transferring it to those in need. The 100% participation from Raley’s stores was enabled by Divert’s IoT tracking and actionable data insights in combination with co-training on the platform and store walkthroughs from personnel in the Feeding America network of local food banks.
Divert’s insights allow Raley’s to further expand its donation guidelines and best practices to a wider range of fresh food, which has resulted in increased donations to people facing food insecurity. Meanwhile, any unsold food that can’t be donated is taken to Divert’s Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Turlock, Calif. and transformed into carbon-negative renewable energy to power the community and soil amendment to return valuable nutrients back to the earth to support future food growth.
"Raley's has long been committed to using resources responsibly and supporting our neighbors when they need it most," said Natalie Slatter, Raley’s VP of operations. "Our relationship with Divert is nourishing our communities, our planet, and helping our customers live happier, healthier lives. We're thrilled to be making this announcement during Hunger Action Month and look forward to the continued positive impact of Raley's donation programs."
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Divert currently works with more than 2,000 retail locations in California and has dedicated expansion plans in the state.
“Divert is proud to work with Raley's to advance our shared vision of a circular economy for unsold food," said Ben Kuethe Oaks, VP and GM of retail at Divert. "Our work together is demonstrating the tremendous opportunity retailers have to go beyond landfill diversion alone and further reduce waste by uncovering donation opportunities that benefit the local community.”
Founded in 1935 and headquartered in West Sacramento, Calif., Raley’s operates 118 stores across four banners: Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods and Raley’s O-N-E Market.
