Sustainability at Kimberton Whole Foods

At Kimberton Whole Foods, we aim to conduct all areas of business in a respectful and ethical manner. This includes considering the ways in which our actions affect our planet. Here are some of the ways that we work to reduce our footprint.

Shellbark Hollow Farm Kimberton Whole Foods

Reducing Food Waste

Perishable and non-perishable foods are donated to qualified local outreach programs, food banks, rescue agencies, and shelters, through Fiorenza’s Food For Friends. We coordinate pickups on a weekly basis to ensure that food is quickly connected to those in need.

We also work with local farmers to repurpose our organic, compostable food to feed their pigs, hens, and of course, to make nutrient-rich compost.

Our Distribution Center

Our distribution center in central Chester County serves as a median location for our local vendors, and reduces the number of trips (and carbon emissions) that they would otherwise take to our 7 stores. When you buy local, you are also making a positive choice for the planet.

Reducing Packaging Waste

One of our largest distributors, KeHE Elkton MD, is offering reusable totes in place of corrugated repack boxes for select customers. We have joined this program to drastically reduce the day-to-day waste associated with operating a grocery business.

PASA Kimberton Whole Foods

Sustainable Farming Partners

We support the work of organizations like the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) and the Biodynamic Association, because we believe that truly responsible farming is the way to a sustainable future. We proudly donate to both organizations as well as participate in the annual Produce for PASA campaign and Sustainable Agriculture Conference.

bulk foods Kimberton Whole Foods

Bulk Shopping

We encourage our customers to bring their own containers when buying from our bulk section for zero-waste shopping. Look for bulk spices, coffee, grains, and more. Product selection varies by store location. Note: Stop by a register before you fill up, so a team member can weigh your containers.

Reusable Bag Program

In 2025 we eliminated handled paper bags and transitioned to a reusable bag program. Our reusable bags are sold at the register for a small fee and are made with up to 40% post-consumer waste. Before the program began, Kimberton Whole Foods used over 1.5 million handled paper bags a year — that’s over 200,000 pounds of paper bags annually! Since the transition, we’ve seen a major shift toward reusable bags and customers remembering to bring their own. This change represents thousands of pounds of paper saved annually and has helped create more environmentally conscious shopping habits. Learn more here.

Other Alternatives 

We offer biodegradable & compostable produce bags, made using non-GMO corn starch. Our registers feature recyclable receipt paper, which uses Vitamin C to transfer the thermal print rather than harmful chemicals. They are BPA- and BPS-free.