AUSTIN, MINN. – Hormel Foods Corp. has announced it anticipates matching 100% of its domestic energy use with renewable sourcing by the end of 2022. This achievement is part of Hormel’s 20 By 30 Challenge, a set of 20 aggressive environmental and social responsibility goals Hormel Foods is striving to reach by 2030. Hormel plans to match 100% of its global energy use with renewable sourcing through the 20 by 30 Challenge. Hormel intends to use the challenge as support for of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to advance and strengthen the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership.
“We are inspired to do our part to make the world a better place," said Mark Coffey, group vice president of supply chain for Hormel Foods. "This achievement demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship including rethinking how we source the energy we need."
In 2021, the company celebrated the launch of large-scale renewable energy projects, including:
- Western Trails wind project located in northern Texas;
- Caddo wind site in southern Oklahoma; and
- Haystack wind project located in eastern Nebraska.
Hormel also completed a new solar energy project at its Jennie-O Turkey Store plant in Montevideo, Minn. At 1.75 megawatts, the project will provide approximately 10% of the plant's energy needs.
“The US Environmental Protection Agency applauds Hormel Foods for its leadership position in the green power marketplace," said James Critchfield, program manager of EPA's Green Power Partnership. "Hormel Foods is an excellent example for other organizations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through green power investment and use."
Hormel Foods has been named one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies and one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, been recognized as one of the World's Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes and received several Impact Awards from Progressive Grocer for its educational support and food security programs.
More information about the company's efforts can be found here.