Reducing Food Waste at Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are in a unique position to make an impact on food waste. Although the market power of grocery store of course depends on the scale, food retailers often have direct relationships with farmers and suppliers and can therefore play a role in reducing retail food waste.
Upgrade inventory technology: Although capabilities differ from business to business, one way that retailers can make a difference in grocery store food waste is by investing in inventory technology. For example, some larger retailers have been able program their store layout that way inventory is stored in a their specific planogram. This enables inventory to come straight out of the warehouse onto the shelves, and decreases the time needed to sort it (aka, more time for it to go bad).
Partner with farmers: Farmers often have to over-plant in order to offset potential weather or disease events. However, if grocery retailers work directly and more collaboratively with farmers they can plan together how to navigate potential disasters. The grocery chain Sainsbury’s in the UK has examples of this; they have worked with farmers in years where lamb maturation was delayed in order to extend the lamb season and therefore decrease losses. They have also adopted a “cost-of-production” model that helps ensure dairy farmers can stay in business. Treating farmers as partners, as opposed to contractors can lead to healthier food chain relationships, and lead to a decrease in food waste.
Challenge traditional practices: A lot of fresh foods have “perfect” standards to go by. However, a lot of produce that is a little different is still just as nutritious. Different stores have experimented with adding discount produce sections for imperfect stock. Another example of challenging that status quo is the business “Imperfect Produce”. Imperfect Produce is essentially a CSA subscription that only ships “imperfect” foods. Many retailers also maintain the idea that displays must be fully stocked at all times to sell the most, however there is data From a store called Stop & Shop that suggests otherwise. Overstocking leads to damages and waste, and customer satisfaction actually increased when produce was in better conditions, not to mention it saved the grocery store millions per year.
Educate consumers: Many shoppers look to grocery stores for inspiration all things food related. Grocery stores can sponsor information on how to best store food, plan shopping, utilize leftovers, and more.
Donate Excess: If food waste cannot be prevented, it should always be redirected to those in need if it is edible. Local nonprofit Food For People can organize donation schedules from grocery stores.
Want to know how donations are protected under the law? Click here to read more about the Good Samaritan Act
To find out more about current policies surrounding food donations, contact the local food resources coordinator Allison Kenney at akenney@foodforpeople.org