Standing for Good: How General Mills & Its Brands Are Making a Meaningful Impact

For five decades, Cascadian Farm has been a pioneer in organic farming and today, it’s continuing that legacy by expanding the use of Kernza in Cascadian Farm Organic Cereals. This perennial grain, with roots that can grow up to ten feet deep, helps improve soil health, sequester carbon, enhance water quality and resilience, and give wildlife a place to thrive.

By quadrupling the use of Kernza in its four top-selling flake cereals, Cascadian Farm is creating a stable market for U.S. organic farmers and making it simple for shoppers to select a great-tasting, sustainable option in the cereal aisle. This milestone builds on more than a decade of research by General Mills, which began studying Kernza in 2014 in partnership with The Land Institute and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative, with Cascadian Farm first introducing the grain into its products in 2019.

EPIC Provisions: Regenerating Land Through Food

EPIC is redefining what it means to produce meat responsibly. By supporting ranchers who practice holistic land management, EPIC helps restore ecosystems, improve soil health and increase biodiversity.

Through its partnership with Stripe Climate, EPIC also contributes 1% of website sales to carbon removal technologies — actively helping reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. EPIC’s work demonstrates that food production can go beyond minimizing harm to actively creating positive environmental impact.

LÄRABAR: Empowering Fair Trade and Sustainability

For LÄRABAR, better snacking means making a positive impact on farmers, workers, consumers, and the planet. That’s why LÄRABAR proudly partners with Fair Trade USA, which works to cultivate a more equitable global trade model. Fair Trade Certified chocolate chips and cocoa can be found in 12 LÄRABAR flavors, helping support more ethical sourcing practices.

LÄRABAR is also taking steps to create a more sustainable future – from the ingredients it sources to the way its bars are made and packaged. Since 2019, LÄRABAR has supported PUR to help improve long-term cocoa productivity while restoring the environment through agroforestry in West Africa. At its owned production facility, LÄRABAR sources 100% renewable electricity and has achieved zero waste to landfill, helping reduce the environmental impact of making its bars. And today, 96% of LÄRABAR products are recyclable by design, with a goal of reaching 100% recyclability by 2030.

Nature Valley: Protecting Our National Parks

Nature Valley believes in the power of nature and is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the great outdoors. Through significant investments and partnerships, Nature Valley is committed to preserving and protecting our parks and natural communities.

For more than 15 years, Nature Valley has proudly supported the National Park Foundation, donating over $35 million to help restore more than 20,000 miles of trails across the country. Today, their partnership helps fund programs like Open Outdoors for Kids, Junior Ranger Angler and Service Corps, expanding access to nature for families and local communities. By helping preserve these iconic landscapes, Nature Valley gives everyone a chance to get out there and enjoy the beautiful, restorative power of the outdoors.

Beyond the trails, Nature Valley was first-to-market in the bars category with in-store drop-off recyclable wrappers, with plans to expand this innovation by 2030. This initiative ensures Nature Valley’s love of nature extends beyond its food, further demonstrating their care for the environment.

Pillsbury: Supporting Military Families at Home

Pillsbury believes that every family deserves a place to call home – a space where stability, comfort, and homemade memories are created. That purpose drives their long-standing partnership with Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit dedicated to building strong, stable, and secure military families.

Since the partnership began in 2018, Pillsbury has contributed over $6 million to support military families, helping provide rent-free housing, reduce debt and build savings as veterans transition to civilian life. This work provides more than financial support; it helps create a foundation for long-term stability and a home where meaningful memories can be made.

Fera Pets: Sustainability for Pets and Planet

Fera Pets is built on the belief that a healthier future for pets starts with a healthier planet, and they are taking meaningful action to make that vision a reality. Through its partnership with rePurpose Global, Fera Pets is now certified plastic neutral, funding vetted impact projects that recover and remove as much plastic from the environment as they use in their packaging and operations.

This work is already making a tangible difference. Through support of the Hara Kal project in Kerala, India, Fera Pets is helping enable the collection and processing of low value plastic waste that would otherwise remain in the environment — protecting coastal ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of more than 800 waste workers, 98% of whom are women. To date, the Fera community has helped remove over 143,000 pounds of plastic waste, turning everyday purchases into measurable environmental impact.

Fera Pets extends its commitment beyond waste reduction through its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, supporting reforestation and community tree planting efforts that help restore forests, improve air and water quality, and strengthen communities in areas of greatest need.

As a member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Fera Pets is also working to continuously improve its environmental and social impact — implementing sustainable business practices that minimize their impact on the environment. Together, these efforts reflect a holistic approach to caring for pets, people and the planet.

Blue Buffalo: Caring for Pets in Need

Blue Buffalo’s mission extends beyond nutrition to making a difference in the lives of pets everywhere. They have raised over $30 million to fight pet cancer and supports organizations that provide service dogs to veterans, helping improve quality of life for those who have served.

Blue Buffalo’s commitment to pet adoption has also helped drive meaningful impact through partnerships with animal welfare organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society, Helen Woodword Animal Center and Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Together, these efforts have helped support more than 13 million pet adoptions since 2013. In addition, BLUE donates over one million pounds of food and treats each year to pets in need — ensuring animals in shelters receive the nourishment they need while they wait for their forever homes.

Through these efforts, Blue Buffalo helps ensure that more animals can live healthy, happy lives.

Edgard & Cooper: Paws-itive Steps To Protect Pets & Our Planet

Edgard & Cooper is committed to becoming the world’s most sustainable pet food brand, actively reducing its environmental "pawprint." They are working towards 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2030, with significant progress already made. Today, their dog treats packaging and aluminum wet food trays are fully recyclable, while their dry food bags use renewable materials, including 85% paper. By prioritizing sustainable packaging solutions, Edgard & Cooper demonstrates that caring for our beloved pets can go hand-in-hand with caring for the planet.

Beyond environmental efforts, The Edgard & Cooper Foundation is dedicated to ending the suffering of dogs and cats globally. To support this mission, they donate 1% of their sales every year, which funds projects that provide essential care like food, shelter, and veterinary treatment, while also educating communities and advocating for stronger animal welfare protections to ensure a better future for all pets.

Doing Good, One Choice at a Time

By choosing a General Mills brand, you’re choosing to support a company that stands for good. Explore our latest Global Responsibility Report to see the real difference you’re helping create.