SpartanNash recently achieved a significant milestone in its collaboration with technology company Flashfood. In its first three years, the company and the app-based marketplace have successfully diverted an impressive 1 million pounds of food waste and saved families $1.9 million on their groceries.

Reducing food waste and providing affordable access to nutrition are key elements of SpartanNash's environmental, social and governance strategy, which aims to promote healthy lives and well-being for all.

Seattle, WA-based Strella BioTechnology is not in the business of wasting time — or food for that matter. In fact, the startling statistics surrounding food waste inspired 26-year-old Katherine Sizov to start the company five years ago while she was still in college.

“There’s no guardian angel to watch over produce,” Sizov told The Produce News. “It’s like a hot potato — passed from one person to the next. There’s no one saying, ‘are we making the best decision on behalf of the apple?’”

Southeastern Grocers Inc. is advocating for the health of pollinators this National Pollinator Week and promoting the importance of these small, yet vital populations by reaffirming its Pollinator Health Policy and highlighting collaborative, like-minded supplier partners, including Sunkist.

Jac. Vandenberg Inc., based in Tarrytown, NY, won the compostability category in the second annual U.S. Plastics Pact Sustainable Packaging Innovation Award. The award showcases companies that are eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging while taking actions to ensure that 100 percent of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Vandenberg is recognized as a business making strides to advance sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to a circular economy.

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. is celebrating its inaugural Food Waste Awareness Week by reaching a major milestone in its food waste reduction efforts: as of the end of 2022, 100 percent of eligible Loblaw stores and distribution centres are actively participating in a food recovery program. 

This means more than 1,700 locations — including Loblaws, Zehrs, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart — are now paired directly with a local food bank or food recovery agency, helping to put good food to use before it becomes waste..