Rite Aid to combat food waste in California via Copia

Rite Aid is partnering with food surplus tracking and donation platform Copia, as it furthers its efforts to reduce waste and make a meaningful impact in the California communities it serves. 

As the first retail pharmacy chain to partner with Copia, Rite Aid will donate food items leveraging the platform’s redistribution platform to track inventory, prove compliance and record impact in real-time. The platform also will match the retailer with local nonprofit organizations focused on combating food insecurity.

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“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, senior vice president of chief corporate affairs and communications officer for Rite Aid. “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.”

“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. “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.”

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Thoughtfully managing its carbon footprint, including reducing the amount of food that ends up in landfills, is a key tenant of Rite Aid's corporate responsibility program. The company continues to explore new partnerships and opportunities to further its efforts around waste reduction, fleet efficiency and energy demand.