How Progressive Grocer’s Impact Awards Winners Are Improving the World

As ESG efforts take on ever-greater importance in the business world, the grocery industry has diligently kept pace with this trend

Progressive Grocer Staff
As environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts take on ever-greater importance in the business world, the grocery industry has diligently kept pace with this trend. Retailers, suppliers and solution providers alike are striving not only to implement programs that will further their goals in these areas, but also to ensure that conscientious customers know about it, so they can make their purchases accordingly.

The companies that we’re honoring with this year’s Impact Awards have done outstanding work to address such varied issues as food waste, hunger, employee health and wellness, greenhouse-gas emissions, responsible sourcing, and regenerative agriculture, to name just a few. Such far-reaching actions are becoming the norm among grocery industry businesses as the public increasingly demands to know the stories behind the food it buys, as well as how companies treat their employees and neighbors.

 

Community Service/Local Impact

DeCicco & Sons

Family-owned and -operated DeCicco & Sons operates 10 stores across Westchester County and into Putnam County in New York City’s northern suburbs. Its deep connection to these communities is why the independent grocer is committed to providing support to its neighbors in need.

In addition to supporting organizations such as local PTAs, breast cancer initiatives and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, among other causes, DeCicco & Sons seeks out innovative opportunities to aid communities when challenges arise.

For instance, when Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, DeCicco & Sons opened its stores’ freezers to help local residents without power avoid losing their perishable food. This act of generosity has been repeated since then by the grocer’s stores in several communities they serve when winter storms have caused long-lasting power outages.

DeCicco & Sons also puts its sourcing capabilities, as well as its kitchens and bakeries, at the disposal of local causes, and has donated tons of food to local food pantries and other organizations.

Supporting communities through activism, volunteerism, material donations and financial support is second nature to DeCicco & Sons. Helping a diverse range of organizations enables the grocer to deepen its positive impact in the communities that it serves.