PROVIDENCE, RI - Actions speak louder than words. We’ve all been told this time and time again, and United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is putting it into practice. The distributor recently announced the launch of its Climate Action Partnership to encourage suppliers to make credible climate commitments.

“As one of the country’s largest wholesalers, we understand the leadership role we can play in reducing climate impact across our value chain and the opportunity we have to facilitate collective problem solving on the most critical climate challenges,” said Alisha Real, UNFI’s Vice President of ESG and Social Impact. “We can’t do it alone however, and the launch of the Climate Action Partnership is an important next step to supporting our suppliers along their respective climate journeys and ultimately, supporting UNFI on our own journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

According to a press release, the program builds on UNFI’s Climate Action Hub, which was developed in partnership with the Climate Collaborative. It offers UNFI suppliers a variety of tools and resources to innovate and scale climate solutions across the food system.

One of the key pillars of UNFI’s Better for All strategy, the Climate Action Partnership is aligned with its validated science-based emissions reduction targets covering its operations and value chain. The initiative has already confirmed more than 40 participants.

To become a Climate Action Partner, suppliers must make a credible climate commitment through approved third-party organizations. This includes the Climate Collaborative, Climate Neutral, The Climate Pledge, the Science Based Targets initiative, or the SME Climate Hub.

“By encouraging our suppliers to set climate goals, we are also making it easier for our customers to choose products that take action on climate,” continued Real. “It’s a win-win for all, and a collective step forward to addressing some of today’s most urgent issues.”

Hats off to UNFI for putting its plans into action!

United Natural Foods, Inc.