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dedicated partnership for many years with the main food bank here,” says Jenkins of the produce department’s strong commit- ment to food waste recovery and diversion. “This is a larger program, but members also have their own relationships with food banks in their communities,” he says, adding, “We don’t do composting here, but various members do.”
While Wakefern has its own direct rela- tionships for local procurement, there are limitations. “Since Wakefern has responsi- bility for the overwhelming procurement of products, some farming operations are too small for us, but may have a relationship with an independent ShopRite member,” says Jenkins. It could be a local corn grower, a small orchard or a farm that doesn’t have enough product to accom- modate the total chain, he says, emphasizing that food safety best practices and training are a critical underpinning of all programs.
“There are quite a few of these local operations, and we find more and more small family farms growing specialty mush- rooms or peppers. Customers really appreciate when their neighborhood store brings these in,” says Forbes. “We would not necessarily define local solely from a sustainability point of view, but to that degree, it reduces travel, supports local businesses, and helps to build and sustain the community. Still, there’s lots more to it in terms of land management and other
rate operators is our power in product and services to compete with much larger chains, while maintaining autonomy for our associates and customers,” says Joseph Colalillo, chairman and chief executive of Wakefern Food Corp. since 2005 and member of its board of directors since 1988. He also is president of ShopRite of Hunterdon County, with three stores in New Jersey, and two more to open this
RETAIL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD WAKEFERN/SHOPRITE
(L-R) In-store Earth Day display, ShopRite of Waretown; ShopRite of Cartaret, NJ, features energy efficient T5 lighting.
variables, says Forbes.
“We do Fair Trade flowers,
(L-R) Joe Fecsko, Thomas Cummisky and Suzanne Forbes assessing waste at Elizabeth, NJ, warehouse.
year in Pennsylvania. “As members, we have certain rules and regulations we follow, but we remain local and inde-
pendent,” he says.
“Joe Colalillo is definitely a cham-
and from the perspective
paying people fair wages and improving lives, this is truly a sustainability initiative, she explains, pointing out, “The organic produce area continues to grow, but we’re not neces- sarily saying organic equals sustainability. That’s a consumer perception.”
A Perfect Union
“Our advantage as a co-op of 50 sepa-
pion of ours with sustainability and a very supportive ally,” says Forbes. “He was one of the first to do composting, grabbing the bull by the horns. As a store owner, he hears from his customers on a daily basis
and knows what’s important to them.”
A long-tenured ShopRite member and sustainability advocate, Colalillo brings an informed perspective to the table. “As Wakefern chairman, I try to keep us focused, working hand in hand with corpo-
(L-R) Melissa Kenny of Delaware Supermarkets and Suzanne Forbes of Wakefern speak at the Food Recovery Challenge Benefit. Wakefern offers a sustanability toolkit for its 250 plus stores to support the EPA Food Recovery Challenge and additional ways to reduce food waste.
of
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