Rite Aid, Copia Partner to Reduce Food Waste

Rite Aid said Wednesday it is partnering with food surplus tracking and donation platform Copia to reduce waste and make a meaningful impact in the California communities it serves.

“The health and wellness of others is at the center of everything we do, and Copia is empowering us to deliver on that promise in another deeply meaningful way,” said Joy Errico, SVP and chief corporate affairs and communications officer for Rite Aid, in a statement. “Together, we are poised to not only reduce waste but also support those who need it most, exemplifying the care and compassion that define our company’s values.”

Rite Aid will donate food items leveraging Copia’s surplus redistribution platform to easily track inventory, prove compliance, and record impact in real-time, said the retailer. The platform will then match Rite Aid with local nonprofit organizations focused on combating food insecurity.

“Copia is thrilled to partner with Rite Aid to power their donation program. Food waste is one of the largest contributors to methane emissions from landfills, and by choosing to donate surplus, Rite Aid is reducing their impact on the planet,” said Kimberly Smith, CEO of Copia, in a statement. “Rite Aid’s donations are supporting so many wonderful nonprofits in the communities where they operate. We're happy to be the donation engine that allows national retailers like Rite Aid to scale their impact in a way that can be seen and felt on a local level.”

The company said it continues to explore partnerships and opportunities to further its efforts around waste reduction, fleet efficiency, and energy demand.