The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation

Agua Bonita is a cold-pressed juice company that specializes in creating beverages from surplus and imperfect produce. By focusing on rescued ingredients, the company aims to provide refreshing alternatives that are both sustainable and delicious. Agua Bonita's products are made using authentic recipes, featuring only real fruits and vegetables, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. This approach not only minimizes food waste but also promotes healthier beverage choices for consumers.

Matriark Foods focuses on upcycling surplus agricultural produce and fresh-cut remnants from food preparation to create healthy, low-sodium food products. By collaborating with farmers and food service providers, the company addresses the issue of food waste, which accounts for approximately 40% of vegetables that remain unused in fields. Matriark transforms these underutilized resources into vegetable-forward meal bases, lightly enhanced with spices and fresh herbs. Their products serve various sectors, including schools, hospitals, and food banks, thereby promoting healthier meal options while tackling food insecurity and waste.

Grain4Grain is a San Antonio-based food-tech startup focused on producing low-carb, high-protein flour from brewers spent grain, a significant byproduct of the brewing industry. The company has developed a patent-pending process that efficiently dries and mills this spent grain in under 20 minutes, a significant reduction from the conventional six-hour method. By upcycling this resource, Grain4Grain not only creates a nutritious ingredient but also promotes sustainability within the food supply chain. Since its launch 10 months ago, the company has upcycled 120,000 pounds of spent grain and introduced two consumer packaged goods in nearly 200 HEB stores. Additionally, Grain4Grain is actively pursuing contracts with various product makers, bakeries, and even a dog food manufacturer to expand its market reach and product offerings.