Fred Meyer/QFC donates 1.6 million meals in 2023 through Zero Hunger – Zero Waste initiative

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —As part of Fred Meyer and QFC’s efforts aimed at ending hunger in the communities it serves, the grocer has donated 1,640,000 meals to local food banks in Oregon during 2023.  

Fred Meyer/QFC stores diverted almost 32,000 tons of product from the landfill during 2023 through the grocery rescue program.  The program prevents food waste from heading to the landfill and is instead donated to local food banks and food pantries for healthy meals to feed local people in need.  By wasting less food, we can reduce the environmental impact of food production.

Fred Meyer/QFC zero waste commitment sets a new standard for food waste reduction goals and will have a ripple effect across their supply chain and industry. “The production and consumption of food has the largest environmental footprint of any human activity,” said Tiffany Sanders, Fred Meyer/QFC Corporate Affairs Manager.  “By wasting less food, we can reduce the environmental impact of food production.” 

Fred Meyer/QFC is decreasing its footprint on the Earth throughout its business practices. As part of the company’s visionary Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan, the grocer seeks to eliminate waste across the company by 2025.

Fred Meyer/QFC currently reduces waste through various in store initiatives:

Grocery Rescue Program:

• Fred Meyer/QFC stores donate perishable and shelf stable foods (like vegetables, meat, bakery, and dairy) that are near expiration date and still full of good nutrition to area food banks.  From those donated foods, meals are created that provide nutrition and supplement the non-perishable food items.
• As a result of this partnership, Fred Meyer/QFC and local food banks reduce waste and help protect the environment while also providing nutritious food for members of our communities.
•  In 2023, over 2,190,000 pounds of food were donated to local Oregon non-profits.  That translates to 1,640,000 meals.

Food Waste Recycling

·      Once food cannot be sold or donated, food waste recycling will further efforts in achieving zero waste. (This specific type of food waste recycling program may vary by store, according to the type of program offered in the local area.) Examples include: Animal Feed, Composting, De-packaging, and Anaerobic Digester

Cardboard Recycling

·      Recycling corrugated cardboard reduces both landfill waste and demand for forest-based products. 

Plastic Film Recycling

·      Plastic film recycling converts plastic waste into new materials. Examples include: plastic grocery bags, bread and produce bags, other polyethylene bags (produce), clean stretch wrap and clear stretch film. Recycled plastic from our stores is transformed to become earth friendly composite decking and railings!

Meat Rendering

·      Rendering is also commonly known in stores as the fat/bone barrel program. All non-saleable animal based trimmings and clippings that would otherwise be discarded are collected and recycled. This material can then be used as agricultural compost or for re-purposing other animal by-products.

Used Cooking Oil Recycling

·      The recycling of used cooking oil, fats, and grease is a sustainable practice. Recycling into a separate collection system helps avoid drain blockages (and costly maintenance expenses), vermin problems, odor, and pollution. Plus, waste oil and grease can be recycled by vendor partners and converted into renewable energy, such as biodiesel!

Single Stream Recycling

·      Single stream recycling programs are separated by individual categories and are only recycled with other like products or materials. Examples of single stream recycling outlets include: glass, Styrofoam, paper, aluminum, RX plastic, etc.

Follow the journey and join the conversation at thekrogerco.com and #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.