Corporate Responsibility
Associated Grocers Corporate Responsibility Statement Associated Grocers takes a holistic approach to sustainability, with a focus on buying and selling responsibly sourced products, in a way that supports our communities and people while reducing waste and our environmental footprint. We are committed to transparency for our customers and integrity in all that we do.
How We Operate
As we are updating and transitioning our refrigeration and lighting systems at our wholesale warehouse facilities, we make sure to choose the most efficient options that are best for the environment. We divert cardboard, paper and plastic waste to recycling centers totalling over 130 metric tonnes of cardboard, plastics, organics, and loose paper in a given year. Wherever possible, Associated Grocers diverts organic compost from its distribution centers to a facility where it is transformed into animal feed or compost to grow crops. Close/outdated and damaged food products are removed from inventory on a regular basis and, wherever possible and appropriate, donated to non-profit organizations that distribute the product to the less fortunate. When we cannot do that, we do our best to ensure that these products end up either with a local farmer for animal feed or, where this is not possible, arrange disposal through an organic waste processor.
Food Safety and Quality
Associated Grocers will always provide safe, quality, and compliant food.
Responsible Sourcing
To ensure our products are safe, of high quality, responsibly sourced and produced in a humane way. All of our suppliers must meet or exceed our industry's accepted supplier code of conduct. Associated Grocers supports the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights and adherence to relevant conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). We expect suppliers that we work with ensure that their labour practices reflect national laws and international standards.
Animal Welfare
Associated Grocers is proud of our commitment to work collaboratively with suppliers, producers and industry to ensure the animal products we purchase meet stringent food safety standards and are raised in a sustainable and humane manner.
Packaging & Material Stewardship
Associated Grocers is committed to participating and following industry standards and procedures set out by various packaging and stewardship programs across the country. It is also a requirement that all Vendor Suppliers of products we sell participate in these programs.
Charitable Donations
We regularly donate products to local food banks and organizations. All of our corporate retail locations work with their community to raise funds for projects that fill local needs. Funds raised through the sale of Newman's Own products are regular donated to charities like Stars Air Ambulance by Associated Grocers.