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UNFI Recognized with Vanguard Award
February 4, 2011
2 Min Read
PHOENIXVirgo Publishing will recognize United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) with its annual Vanguard Award at the 9th annual Focus on the Future conference, Feb. 22 to 25 at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Vanguard Award recognizes leadership that has made an important impact on the health, wellness and nutrition industries. UNFI has achieved financial success while expanding efforts in sustainability and social responsibility. Examples of UNFI's leadership include the company's commitment to LEED® certification and sustainable operations, charitable efforts such as Vitamin Angels, Feeding America, and the work in Haiti, the use of solar power and other sustainable energy sources, and the hybrid vehicle program for employees.
Some select highlights of UNFI's efforts and achievements include:
UNFI has more than 10,000 solar panels covering more than 200,000 square feet at its Rocklin, Calif.; Dayville, Conn.; and Providence, R.I. facilities.
UNFI provides any full time associate who has been with the company for more than one year with $3,000 toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle.
UNFI's York, PA and Ridgefield, WA facilities have achieved LEED Gold Certification by reducing water usage by more than 40 percent, sourcing building materials from regional suppliers and using recycled content, and diverting 95 percent of construction waste from local landfills.
UNFI employees have travelled with Vitamin Angels to participate in community distributions and offer help where it is desperately needed.
In addition to its deep commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, UNFI has also achieved exceptional financial success. In its most recent quarterly report, the company reported increases in sales and income, and surpassed the $1 billion mark for a quarter for the first time.
"We appreciate receiving the Vanguard Award and being recognized for our sustainability and philanthropy initiatives, as well as our business achievements," said Michael Funk, UNFIs co-founder and chairman. "For over 35 years we have pioneered support for the organic industry and look forward to continuing to focus on how we can make our distribution model more sustainable." The award will be presented to Funk during the Awards Dinner, sponsored by Capsugel, on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Focus on the Future.
"The business success achieved by UNFI while expanding efforts in sustainability and social responsibility is deserving of recognition," said Peggy Jackson, vice president of the Virgo Publishing Health and Nutrition Network."Their efforts have made a significant impact on the industry and on society, and should serve as a model for all of us."
Previous winners of the Vanguard Award have included Natrols founder Elliott Balbert, Whole Foods Market, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED).
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