On Earth Day, The Winn-Dixie Company proudly reaffirmed its commitment to eco-responsibility with innovative green initiatives, including a ribbon cutting at its new ice micro-factory in Plant City. The grocer’s broader sustainability work includes digital tools for customers, in-store recycling programs and local environmental stewardship events that support the neighborhoods it serves.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Winn-Dixie Company is championing Earth Day by reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact, empower customers to make eco-friendly choices and support the communities it serves.
Earlier this week, The Winn-Dixie Company—in partnership with Relocalize—opened an autonomous ice micro-factory at its Plant City distribution center. The micro-factory enables the grocer to produce SE Grocers Party Cubes ice locally and on demand, significantly reducing transportation requirements and minimizing water waste and plastic pollution. The packaging is also certified plastic-negative, helping remove more plastic from the environment than it uses.
By producing ice directly at its distribution center, The Winn-Dixie Company can reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% while delivering fresher, high-quality products to customers. SE Grocers Party Cubes are now available at the newly remodeled Temple Terrace Winn-Dixie, with plans to expand to additional stores across the Tampa Bay area in the coming weeks. The milestone was marked with a ceremonial ice ribbon cutting, celebrating a step forward in sustainability and efficiency. The innovation also has the potential to scale across Florida, reflecting the grocer’s broader commitment to finding smarter, more sustainable ways to operate.
Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of The Winn-Dixie Company, said, “For more than a century, we have had the privilege of serving families and neighborhoods that count on us every day. That responsibility reaches far beyond our store walls and into the communities we call home. Earth Day is a powerful reminder that serving our neighbors also means protecting the environment we all share. We are committed to doing our part through thoughtful actions that reduce waste, conserve resources and help preserve our natural spaces for future generations. As a trusted hometown grocer, we remain focused on making a lasting difference for the people and places we serve.”
In addition to advancing sustainable operations, Winn-Dixie is making it easier for customers to reduce their environmental footprint through everyday actions. Customers can opt for digital receipts and browse weekly circulars through the Winn-Dixie app or online, reducing paper use while accessing savings through the grocer’s award-winning Rewards program. Additionally, shoppers can further support sustainability and hunger relief through the grocer’s Community Bag Program. Now through Dec. 31, 2026, Winn-Dixie will donate $11 to Feeding America® for every purchase of the specially designed $2.99 reusable bag, made from recycled materials to help reduce single-use waste. These conveniently sustainable options reflect Winn-Dixie’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and promoting more sustainable shopping habits.
The grocer is also expanding its ecoATM program, currently available in 14 stores with plans to significantly increase the number of locations offering responsible e-recycling. The kiosks provide customers with a convenient way to recycle old cell phones, keeping electronic waste out of landfills while offering cash incentives on the spot. To date, the program has responsibly recycled more than 94,000 devices collected from Winn-Dixie customers, paying out more than $3 million to recyclers while diverting more than 36,000 pounds of e-waste and eliminating more than 4,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Beyond in-store initiatives, Winn-Dixie associates and their families are making a direct impact in their neighborhoods through hands-on green volunteerism. So far this year, teams have led eight beach cleanups across Florida, removing more than 1,200 pounds of trash from local coastlines and waterways. Cleanup efforts spanned some of the state’s most treasured destinations, including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Bahia Honda State Park, Key Biscayne Beach Park, Coco Plum Beach, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and St. Andrews State Park. These efforts demonstrate the power of collective action in preserving natural habitats, protecting wildlife and keeping Florida’s beaches healthy.
The Winn-Dixie Company’s sustainability efforts are guided by a commitment to continuous improvement and thoughtful, responsible choices that support the well-being of its communities. In 2026, this steadfast dedication earned the grocer recognition on the Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact list for the fourth consecutive year. From innovative partnerships to everyday customer solutions, the grocer remains focused on building a more sustainable future, one step at a time.
