Wawa outlines initiatives to combat food insecurity and reduce waste

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting held on March 6, 2025, in Pennsylvania highlighted significant efforts to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste, with a focus on community partnerships and innovative programs.

Jennifer Irvin, representing Wawa, addressed the committee, detailing the company's commitment to social responsibility. Wawa, which operates over 1,100 stores across nine states and Washington, D.C., has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at alleviating food insecurity. Irvin emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that Wawa has been a title sponsor of the Welcome America event, where they distribute thousands of hoagies to local organizations.

In 2024, Wawa's Foundation contributed $5.8 million towards hunger-related initiatives, including the "Fly Beyond" program, which supports meal programs for children. This initiative has already provided significant resources, including 95,000 meals and funding for summer feeding sites. Additionally, Wawa has established a long-standing partnership with the Food Donation Connection, donating 1.8 million meals in 2024 alone, which helped divert over 2.2 million pounds of food from waste.

Irvin also discussed Wawa's efforts in food waste management, highlighting their recycling program that has diverted 21,000 tons of food since its inception in 2017. The company is recognized as a leader in food waste diversion among convenience stores on the Eastern Seaboard.

The meeting underscored the collaborative spirit among organizations dedicated to improving food security and sustainability in Pennsylvania. As Wawa continues to expand its initiatives, the committee expressed appreciation for the company's proactive approach to addressing these critical issues. The discussions set a positive tone for future partnerships aimed at enhancing community welfare and environmental responsibility.