Else Beekman
Mercadona, Spain’s leading supermarket chain, has reinforced its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility by donating over 12,600 tonnes of essential products in the first half of 2024.
This donation, equivalent to more than 210,000 shopping trolleys, supports 785 social entities across Spain and Portugal, helping vulnerable communities.
Key Initiatives
Food Donation
Mercadona continues to expand its network of collaborating social entities, supporting initiatives like the Food Banks’ “Great Food Collection” and “Spring Collection.” These efforts allow Food Banks to purchase necessary items efficiently, enhancing their support to those in need.
Also read: Mercadona’s ongoing aid for DANA-victims
Environmental Sustainability
The company also focuses on sustainable urban distribution, improving air quality with cleaner trucks and vans. Mercadona has installed 4,425 Electric Vehicle Charging Points (PCVE) in the car parks of over 1,117 stores, and plans to increase this number. Additionally, they are committed to renewable energy, installing solar panels across their stores.
Social Initiatives
Mercadona’s Social Action Plan includes projects like Trencadís, which integrates individuals with intellectual disabilities by involving them in creating decorative murals for the fishmonger sections in their stores.
Partnership and Future Goals
Since 2011, Mercadona has been a partner of the United Nations Global Compact in Spain, promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, their continuous investment in social, environmental, and governance initiatives underscores their dedication to making a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Laura Cruz, Mercadona’s Director of Social Action, highlighted the importance of these initiatives in a recent statement, emphasising how monetary donations to food banks optimise their ability to meet beneficiaries’ needs effectively.
Also read: Mercadona lowers price of hundreds of products in Spain