United Natural Foods Celebrates 50 Years of Purpose-Driven Leadership
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI), one of North America’s largest distributors of natural, organic, and conventional food products, has unveiled a major philanthropic initiative to mark a milestone in its corporate history. In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2026, the UNFI Foundation announced the launch of a new program titled “50 for 50,” a nationwide grant initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations working to strengthen local and sustainable food systems.
Through this ambitious program, the UNFI Foundation plans to award 50 grants to nonprofit organizations across all 50 U.S. states, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to community development, food access, sustainability, and resilience. In total, $2 million will be distributed to organizations that address food insecurity, promote sustainable agriculture, enhance food recovery, and improve regional food networks across the United States and Canada.
The announcement was made during UNFI’s first Spring and Summer Selling Show of 2026, held in Long Beach, California — a fitting location given that California is where the company was founded in 1976. The event served as both a business showcase and a commemorative gathering, bringing together thousands of retail partners, suppliers, and community stakeholders to celebrate five decades of collaboration and shared mission.
Celebrating 50 Years of Purpose, Partnership, and Progress
UNFI Chief Executive Officer Sandy Douglas joined company leaders, including UNFI Co-Founder and Board Member Michael Funk, to commemorate the company’s half-century of growth. The event welcomed approximately 3,500 retail customers, supplier brands, and community partners, highlighting UNFI’s role as a cornerstone in the evolution of natural and organic food distribution in North America.
“For 50 years, UNFI has believed that better food builds stronger communities,” said Douglas. “As we mark this milestone, we want to honor the people and partners who share that belief and work every day to make our industry vibrant, resilient, and sustainable. The UNFI Foundation’s ‘50 for 50’ initiative is another way to recognize this work — and invest in a better shared future.”
Douglas emphasized that the initiative is not only a symbolic celebration but also a strategic investment in the future of food systems — supporting grassroots organizations that tackle critical issues such as hunger relief, food waste reduction, local farming, and equitable access to nutritious food.
First Grant Awarded to Food Finders in Southern California
During the event, UNFI leadership formally awarded the first “50 for 50” grant, presenting a $10,000 donation to Food Finders, a nonprofit organization based in Southern California that focuses on food rescue and redistribution. The organization recovers surplus, high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste and redirects it to underserved communities experiencing food insecurity.
In 2024 alone, Food Finders successfully rescued more than 15 million pounds of edible food, transforming excess inventory into millions of meals for individuals and families in need. The grant will help expand the organization’s operations, strengthen logistics, and increase its capacity to serve vulnerable populations.
“We’re honored to be the first grantee of the UNFI Foundation’s ‘50 for 50’ initiative,” said Diana Lara, Executive Director of Food Finders. “This support helps us continue expanding our food recovery efforts and ensures more families across Southern California have access to nutritious meals.”
Food recovery efforts like Food Finders’ work play an increasingly important role in combating hunger while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Honoring Legacy Partners Who Shaped the Natural Foods Movement
In addition to announcing the grant initiative, UNFI used the event to honor two longtime partners with the Michael Funk Legacy Award, recognizing organizations that have played a transformative role in advancing innovation, sustainability, and responsible business practices in the food retail sector.
The first honoree, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, was recognized for its decades-long dedication to supporting local farmers, promoting sustainable sourcing, and fostering consumer education around healthy and ethical food choices. One of UNFI’s earliest retail customers, the co-op has grown from a small buying collective into a major regional leader in cooperative grocery retail.
“UNFI has been a trusted partner to our business for nearly five decades,” said Brian Munn, President & General Manager of Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. “From our early days as a small buying club to the co-op we are today, UNFI has consistently supported our mission, our growth, and our commitment to local and sustainable food. We’re honored to receive the Michael Funk Legacy Award and appreciate the role UNFI continues to play in supporting our cooperative food systems.”
The second honoree, Lundberg Family Farms, has been a UNFI supplier since the company’s founding year in 1976. The family-owned business was recognized for its leadership in organic rice production, commitment to regenerative agriculture, and dedication to environmental stewardship. Over multiple generations, Lundberg Family Farms has helped set industry benchmarks for sustainability, soil health, water conservation, and responsible farming practices.
“Our industry has long been shaped by pioneers who believed in doing the right thing — for people and for the planet,” said Michael Funk. “Partners like Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op and Lundberg Family Farms have helped transform natural and organic food from a movement to the mainstream, and UNFI is proud to have supported their growth along the way.”
A Major Showcase of Innovation in Food Retail
Beyond its ceremonial significance, UNFI’s West Spring and Summer Selling Show served as a major industry marketplace, bringing together more than 1,700 retail representatives and over 1,800 supplier brands. Exhibitors represented a wide range of categories, including natural, organic, fresh, specialty, and conventional food products.
Attendees explored thousands of innovative new products, many designed to help retailers prepare for seasonal demand and shifting consumer preferences. Trends showcased at the event included plant-based alternatives, clean-label foods, functional beverages, sustainable packaging solutions, and premium private-label offerings.
The show also provided retailers with insights into emerging consumer behaviors, merchandising strategies, and supply chain efficiencies — reinforcing UNFI’s role not only as a distributor but as a strategic partner in retail success.
Strengthening Communities Through Food-Focused Philanthropy
The “50 for 50” initiative reflects a broader evolution in corporate social responsibility across the food industry. As food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in many communities, and as climate concerns intensify, companies like UNFI are expanding their philanthropic reach to support organizations that drive long-term, systemic change.
By directing funding to nonprofits in every U.S. state, UNFI aims to ensure geographic equity in grant distribution while amplifying the impact of local organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities. Programs supported through the initiative are expected to span food banks, urban agriculture groups, sustainable farming nonprofits, community nutrition programs, and organizations focused on strengthening regional food supply chains.
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