Natural Grocers Moves Forward With Sustainability Efforts
Natural Grocers has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, which highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to prioritize affordable, quality, and environmentally conscious products.
Company officials said by staying true to its Five Founding Principles, Natural Grocers aims to create lasting, positive change. Beyond the products it carries, the company is also committed to maintaining partnerships with vendors and farms that reflect its dedication to human health, animal welfare, and the planet.
"At Natural Grocers, we see grocery stores as a vital link in the food chain — integral to the health of people and the planet," said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers. "For nearly 70 years, Natural Grocers has been committed to driving change in how food is grown, raised, and sold — and we remain as dedicated as ever. This year's sustainability report highlights our rigorous product standards, commitment to regenerative agriculture, dedication to nutrition education, investment in our good4uSM Crew's well-being, and partnerships that strengthen communities and protect the environment."
Highlights from the report include:
• Maintained industry leadership with rigorous product standards across all categories (including its minimum egg standard of free-range), upholding its stance against artificial flavors, preservatives, sweeteners (as defined by Company standards), synthetic colors, and partially or fully hydrogenated oils.
• Partnered with Rodale Institute to advance regenerative organic agriculture and raised over $80,000 during Organic Month to support its Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training Programs.
• Donated more than $4 million of in-kind food and products to local food bank partners.
• Invested more than $7 million to offer free nutrition education services, provided by its Nutritional Health Coaches to its customers, good4u Crew, and communities.
• Installed a CO2 refrigeration system in a third store, which saves energy and provides enhanced environmental protection compared to conventional refrigerant technologies.
• Expanded its “Meet Your Farmer" film series. These short documentaries showcase the farmers and ranchers behind specific products you'll find at Natural Grocers — those who are changing the way our food is produced to ensure a livable, healthy tomorrow.
The company's Fiscal Year 2024 Sustainability report can be viewed here. To learn more about Natural Grocers' practices that reflect its environmental stewardship, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/sustainability.
