Giant Food, the leading regional grocery chain in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and Divert, Inc., a circular economy company focused on eliminating food waste, have reached a significant milestone in their ongoing sustainability partnership. Since 2022, the collaboration has successfully processed nearly 80 million pounds of unsold food, preventing it from ending up in landfills. This achievement equates to mitigating more than 37,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), reinforcing both companies’ commitment to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
A Commitment to Reducing Food Waste
Giant Food has long been committed to sustainability, but its partnership with Divert has propelled its efforts to new heights. The grocery retailer has made substantial strides in minimizing its environmental footprint by implementing cutting-edge food waste solutions in all 163 of its stores across Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
Diane Hicks, Senior Vice President of Operations at Giant Food, emphasized the impact of this collaboration:
The Role of Divert’s Recycling Program
In June 2022, Giant Food launched a comprehensive recycling initiative with Divert to significantly reduce the amount of unsold food being wasted. The program focuses on repurposing food that cannot be sold or donated by converting it into valuable resources.
Divert utilizes anaerobic digestion technology to break down food waste and generate carbon-negative renewable energy, which is then used to power homes and businesses. Additionally, the process produces nutrient-rich soil amendments that can enhance agricultural productivity. This method not only diverts food waste from landfills but also contributes to a more circular economy by recapturing value from discarded food.
Ryan Begin, CEO and co-founder of Divert, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:
Food Donations and Community Impact
Beyond reducing food waste, Giant Food has also made a considerable impact on addressing food insecurity within the communities it serves. In 2024 alone, the company donated more than 6.1 million pounds of food—equivalent to approximately 5.1 million meals. Through its “Meat the Needs” program and Fresh Food Recovery initiative, Giant Food ensures that wholesome, unsold food reaches those in need rather than going to waste.
Each Giant Food store partners with local food recovery organizations, including churches, soup kitchens, food banks, and Feeding America, to facilitate the quick distribution of fresh food to those facing food insecurity. These programs not only help communities in need but also reinforce the company’s dedication to responsible resource management and corporate social responsibility.
Achieving Environmental and Social Goals
The combined impact of Divert’s recycling program and Giant Food’s food donation efforts has been monumental. In 2024 alone, more than 35 million pounds of food were prevented from being wasted, contributing significantly to both environmental sustainability and social well-being.
The broader implications of this initiative extend beyond Giant Food and Divert, setting a precedent for the grocery industry at large. By demonstrating the effectiveness of a circular economy approach, this partnership serves as a model for other retailers looking to reduce their environmental impact while simultaneously supporting their local communities.
Looking to the Future
Giant Food and Divert remain committed to furthering their sustainability efforts and exploring new ways to improve food waste reduction strategies. As both companies continue to innovate, they aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in food waste prevention, renewable energy generation, and community support.
With the success of their current initiatives, Giant Food and Divert hope to inspire other grocery retailers, food producers, and consumers to rethink their approach to food waste. By investing in sustainable solutions and fostering collaborative efforts, the food industry can take significant steps toward a more responsible and resource-efficient future.
As environmental concerns and food insecurity remain pressing global challenges, partnerships like the one between Giant Food and Divert offer a glimpse of how innovative solutions can create meaningful change. By transforming unsold food into valuable resources and ensuring surplus food reaches those in need, this collaboration exemplifies the potential for businesses to drive sustainability and social impact hand in hand.
Moving forward, Giant Food and Divert will continue to expand their initiatives, further solidifying their roles as leaders in sustainability within the food retail sector. Their partnership not only benefits the environment but also strengthens communities, proving that responsible business practices can lead to tangible, far-reaching positive outcomes.
