Ardent Mills releases second annual corporate social responsibility report

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Ardent Mills releases second annual corporate social responsibility report

10 Nov 2021

Jordan Winter

Jordan Winter is a journalist who wants to learn more and teach others about the world through storytelling. Dedicated to positive social change, her reporting is informed by years of experience writing, designing, and producing multimedia content for mission-driven publications and nonprofits.

As the creative director for Commercial Baking, Jordan is bringing life to the stories of diversity and sustainability in the commercial baking industry.

DENVER — Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, today announced the release of its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. The report provides an update on the company’s progress toward its environmental, social and governance initiatives and outlines its updated long-term goals.

“Our bold spirit of innovation and imagination has enabled us to bring sustainable thinking into the forefront of all that we do,” said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. “We’ve made important progress this last year and will continue to champion these critical initiatives across all facets of our business to achieve even greater goals in the years ahead.”

The report reflects the company’s corporate social responsibility work across three core pillars: sustainability, people and nutrition. These pillars are directly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals put forth by the United Nations.

When it comes to sustainability, Ardent Mills says its committed to being a responsible steward of the environment. Through this commitment, the company seeks to protect the long-term viability of the food system and supply chain, and partners with farmers, suppliers and customers to help ensure a clean, green world for future generations. In 2021, Ardent Mills Enrolled 37,480 acres across Idaho and Kansas in regenerative agriculture initiatives intended to improve soil health and conserve water.

The company also achieved 23.36% of its total operations becoming powered by renewable energy. This calculation reflets direct sourcing of renewable energy and retaining related renewable energy credits (RECs), participation in community solar projects and purchase or replacement of RECs.

In packaging, Ardent Mills sourced 100% SFI Certified packaging for all of its North American products.

"Our bold spirit of innovation and imagination has enabled us to bring sustainable thinking into the forefront of all that we do," said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills.

The company is also focused on serving the communities with which it engages. It aims to provide development opportunities for the next generation of agri-business professionals and to help its employees make meaningful contributions. But first, this means making sure everyone feels like they belong. In 2021, Ardent Mills launched a diversity, equity and inclusion program aimed at creating a more inclusive environment.

Another highlight from the company’s CSR report is the two initiatives it completed for Project Elle. This provided improvements to Ardent Mills locker rooms, breakrooms and restrooms using 5S/Pristine principles. The 5S principles are a technique used in manufacturing to achieve a safe, neat and clean arrangement of the workplace.

Ardent Mills also plays a critical role in feeding more than 100 million individuals every day. In its 2021 CSR report, Ardent Mills emphasized its drive to advance health research and improve access to nutritious, grain-based solutions locally, nationally and globally.

The company has done exactly that this year, by raising $200,000 — equivalent to 800,000 meals — for the Food Bank of the Rockies. It also donated more than 60,000 lbs. of product in April 2021 alone.

“In 2020, we embarked on a series of ambitious goals to spearhead measurable impact within our industry, while simultaneously serving the needs of our customers, consumers, communities and the environment,” said Phoenix Dugger, corporate social responsibility manager at Ardent Mills. “The progress we’ve made serves as a testament to our dedication to not only meet, but exceed, our goals. This is just the beginning.”

Learn more about Ardent Mills’ commitment to corporate social responsibility here.

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