The project is part of an effort to plant 25,000 trees in areas where ShopRite stores operate.

April 21, 2021

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP – PENNINGTON, NJ (MERCER)–Volunteers from ShopRite and One Tree Planted branched out across Rosedale Park in Pennington, NJ on April 19 to help create a more sustainable future by planting 125 saplings as part of ShopRite’s ongoing efforts to plant 25,000 trees in areas where our stores operate. 

Equipped with gloves, shovels and an array of other tools, volunteers dug holes, planted trees and erected deer fencing to ensure the saplings would have the best chance to take root and thrive.  The tree planting initiative, now in its third year, will result in 75,000 trees being planted in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland by the end of the year.

“Our annual tree planting event is a highlight of our sustainability efforts that are designed to promote a greener, cleaner and more beautiful environment for future generations,” said Robert Zuehlke, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for ShopRite.  “We are proud to partner with One Tree Planted to help bring 75,000 trees to states across the mid-Atlantic.”

The benefits of trees include moderating climate, improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff, and harboring wildlife. They also serve as a windbreak, provide protection from rainfall, and act as a filter for the air we breathe by removing dust and releasing oxygen. Trees also have social benefits that include having a calming effect that reduces stress and fatigue, while also promoting healing.

“We’re proud of our continued partnership with ShopRite,” said Matt Hill, Chief Environmental Evangelist at One Tree Planted. “Thanks to our shared commitment to the environment we’re able to plant trees across the US, protect biodiversity and water quality, and get the local community involved.”

For more than four decades, Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer owned cooperative that includes nearly 280 ShopRite stores, has worked to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and assist communities where our stores operate.  Last year alone, Wakefern donated 5,000 tons of food to local food banks, composted more than 8,200 tons of food waste, and since the late 1970’s has recycled more than 2.6 million tons of materials. 

For more information on how ShopRite is celebrating Earth Day, and our ongoing sustainability efforts, please visit:  www.shoprite.com/earthmonth2021, and https://shop.shoprite.com/sustainability