SpartanNash takes green steps forward

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based food solutions company SpartanNash is planning to reduce the company’s carbon footprint next year. SpartanNash will decrease its annual fleet mileage by seven million miles in 2022, representing 10% of total fleet mileage.

The company owns and operates 145 supermarket locations under several banners including Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market and more, along with a private label collection. SpartanNash estimates that the decrease in mileage will result in 10,000 fewer metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Network optimization is a key component of our supply chain transformation initiative as well as an opportunity to make significant progress with regard to our ESG journey,” said SpartanNash senior vice president and chief supply chain officer David Petko. “When food is traveling fewer miles, everyone wins – our customers, our consumers and our planet.”

In addition to fewer miles on the road, SpartanNash says it is improving its logistics partnerships to make their supply chain more efficient. The company estimates one million gallons of diesel annually will be saved from the moves.

Optimizing the supply chain is among several focus areas for the company’s ESG strategy. Earlier this year, SpartanNash published a vendor code of conduct and human rights policy to further demonstrate commitment to ESG-forward practices.

“Making progress against our ESG objectives is a company-wide priority going into 2022,” said SpartanNash president and CEO Tony Sarsam. “SpartanNash’s mission is to deliver the ingredients for a better life, and we are committed to doing that as responsibly and sustainably as possible for the customers and communities we serve.”