Whole Foods Market’s impact report underscores vision to be a 'force for good'

Whole Foods Market has released its annual impact report, shining a light on its efforts to raise the bar in the global food system.

The comprehensive 61-page report covers a lot of ground from employee well-being to regenerative agriculture to food donations. The 2022 impact overview encompasses the key initiatives that the Natural and organic foods retailer has implemented through its 530-plus stores, supply chain and more than 100,000 employees across the U.S., United Kingdom and Canada.

Top takeaways from the 2022 report include the company’s efforts to combat food waste, how it’s reducing its carbon footprint, responsible sourcing programs and initiatives that support employee growth.

“Whole Foods Market has a rich legacy of building a more sustainable food system, from our unparalleled quality standards to our responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship,” Caitlin Leibert, vice president of sustainability for Whole Foods Market, said in a news release. “Building on the progress we made this past year, we look forward to what we will accomplish in the years ahead as we continue to find new and innovative ways to further our mission.”

Improving the way food is grown

While the report is not focused on produce specifically, initiatives to champion and promote sustainable, organic and regenerative agriculture is visible throughout.

“I've always really been driven by the desire to scale organic, sustainable and regenerative agriculture,” Karen Christensen, senior vice president of merchandising for perishables, said in a recent Reuters video interview. “This is not a new movement, but it's really got new legs in the past few years.”  

The connectivity between regenerative and agriculture as a method to sequester carbon and improve climate, is widely recognized today, she continued.

“I'm really excited about that being a transformational moment in food in the U.S. and around the world,” Christensen said.   

While Christensen oversees all perishables at Whole Foods Market — which includes produce, meat and seafood — her career started in produce.

“I came [to Whole Foods Market] because I was working for an all-organic produce wholesaler in Northern California, which was an amazing entry point into the industry; I really enjoyed working there,” she said in the video interview. “And when Whole Foods Market came to California, it was really eye-opening to me, the potential to scale organic agriculture.

"That's what got me interested, that's what got me in the door,” Christensen continued.  “And somewhat to my surprise, I'm here 25 years later, so it's been consistently interesting.”

Notable impact report highlights

“Our impact report marks another exciting milestone as we demonstrate the progress we’ve made to drive forward our purpose to nourish people and the planet,” Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel said in the release. “As we grow, we’re continuing to raise the bar on our commitment to sustainability and finding win-win solutions with all our partners — from our suppliers to the environment to the communities we serve.”

According to the release, the top statistics in 2022 included:

• Kept more than 72% of waste produced at stores and facilities out of landfills.

• Maintained recycling programs at nearly 96% of stores.

• Supported organic diversion programs, such as composting, at nearly 450 stores.

• Donated more than 30 million meals to nearly 1,000 unique food rescue and redistribution organizations.

• Sourced 250 million pounds of fair trade ingredients.

• Onboarded more than 2,300 new organic products, now offering more than 37,000 active organic products across its stores.

• Awarded nearly $1.7 million to local suppliers last year through its Local Producer Loan Program and inducted nine new participants into its Local and Emerging Accelerator Program cohort.

• Funded 33,555 microloans by the Whole Planet Foundation.

• Awarded 57 grants to community-led organizations across 39 cities by Whole Cities Foundation.

• Donated 506 gardens and 142 salad bars by Whole Kids Foundation.

To learn more about Whole Foods Market’s impact, check out the 2022 impact report.