EPA recognizes The Kroger Co. for efforts in Food Recovery Challenge

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently honored The Kroger Co. for excellence in three categories of the EPA Food Recovery Challenge — leadership, innovation, and education and outreach.

"Kroger is excited to be part of the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, and honored by this recognition,” Kroger Group VP of Corporate Affairs Jessica Adleman said. “Our associates across the company bring our innovative food recovery program to life in all of our stores. We remain committed to finding solutions to reduce food waste — because it is good for business, our communities and the environment."

The Food Recovery Challenge is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to reduce their food waste, which accounts for 20 percent of the contents of American landfills. The challenge encourages companies to donate food and recycle food scraps which helps the one in six Americans struggling with access to nutritious food as well as the environment.

“Food Recovery Challenge participants in the Great Lakes Region have already prevented an estimated 250,000 tons of food from entering landfills or incinerators and nearly 26,000 tons of food were donated to people in need,” EPA Great Lakes Region Senior Manager Margaret Guerrero said. “Kroger’s innovative efforts will help us achieve our ambitious national goal — to cut wasted food in half by 2030. EPA encourages other organizations to follow Kroger’s example and join the Food Recovery Challenge.”