Sprouts Farmers Market, in partnership with the food donation app Careit, has redirected more than 30 million pounds of unsold food to 216 independent nonprofits across the U.S. since 2022.
The initiative highlights the retailer’s commitment to sustainability while expanding access to nutritious meals for households facing food insecurity, which is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and negatively affects one’s mental health, according to a news release.
Food insecurity affects an estimated 48 million Americans, including 13.8 million children, while 31% of food in the U.S. food system goes unsold or uneaten, the release says. Grocers generate nearly six million tons of unsold food annually, positioning the retail sector as a crucial link in preventing food waste. Sprouts says it has made food waste a central piece of its ESG strategy, donating more than 14 million pounds of surplus produce to food rescue agencies.
“We are very produce-centric and proud that we can provide fresh food to our local community partners that feed those with diet restrictions who need a nutritious meal,” says Natasha Tofil, environmental compliance manager, for Sprouts Farmers Market. “In the past, we would have to turn away nonprofits who requested donations, but with Careit, we have been able to easily onboard them to our program and foster more meaningful connections at a local level.”
Careit helps Sprouts in multiple ways, including:
- Taking on the administration burden of compliance and ESG data tracking.
- Locating and building great partnerships with local nonprofit agency partners.
- Encouraging Sprouts team members to be more engaged with their local communities through food donations
“Our partnership with Sprouts aligns with our goal of getting healthier nutrition and even organic produce in the hands of those who are food insecure,” says Alyson Schill, CEO and co-founder of Careit. “Affordability is a major concern for nonprofits, and our free app services enable them to easily connect with food donors such as Sprouts.”
Local social service agencies have greatly benefited from Sprouts and Careit’s partnership. Carol’s Kindness Food Pantry in Texas has received more than one million pounds of food donations, including a variety of items such as produce, protein, dairy and baked goods.
“Without Sprouts, we would not have as much nutritious food to pass to our clients,” says Carol Rabun, CEO of Carol’s Kindness Food Pantry. “Before we joined Careit, we didn’t document anything. Now that we weigh everything and keep records, it’s amazing to see how many pounds are redirected and kept out of the landfill.”
Other agencies, such as You Eat I Eat in Dallas, have been able to expand their fresh food offerings and home-cooked meal options thanks to Sprouts’ surplus donations.
“Since joining Careit, the Sprouts donations we have received have enabled us to increase the amount we distribute weekly, impacting our community with healthier options our clients take notice of,” says Dorene Corothers, founder and executive director of You Eat I Eat. “Working with Sprouts and Careit has been a great experience as their staff is very welcoming and excited to give back to the community via YEIE; and using the Careit app is very informative, making it quick and easy to document and track our donations.”
Sprouts says as it continues to expand its sustainability program tracking through Careit, one area the grocer plans to incorporate is an animal feed donation tracking component.
“The next evolution is expanding our animal feed program to get farmers on the Careit app who utilize our food that can’t be donated,” Tofil says. “This food has good life left in it that can be used for animal feed and soil regeneration.”
In addition, Sprouts says it is looking to amplify more surplus food donation store pickups on the weekends, which helps smaller startups that might not be able to pick up during the week. The grocery retailer no longer has to turn away these social service agencies that need assistance.
“We’re helping smaller organizations with a hope and a dream to lift them up so they can feed the heart of local communities,” Tofil says.
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