Backpacker’s Pantry donates over $112,000 during the 2023 calendar year; diverts over 100,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle materials from landfills

January 17, 2024

These efforts support The Colorado Sun awarding Backpacker’s Pantry with the "Best Company That Gives Back” accolade

BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 17, 2024)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces today its annual donations for the 2023 calendar year. Over the past year, Backpacker’s Pantry donated a combined total of over $112,000 to 11 organizations. Additionally, in partnership with Eco-Cycle, they have diverted over 100,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle materials from landfills in the past two years.

The organizations that Backpacker’s Pantry supported throughout the year include 1% For the Planet, American Hiking Society, Cal-Wood Education Center, Conscious Alliance, Continental Divide Coalition, Partnership for the National Trail System, SLOW Money Institute, The Conservation Alliance, The Freshwater Trust, Thorne Nature Conservancy, and Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc.

“Backpacker’s Pantry remains one of our longest-standing members, with a partnership that dates back to 1990,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “Throughout the years, Backpacker’s Pantry has exemplified what it means to be an engaged member, and 2023 was no exception with the continued support of our grant program, engagement in cause marketing, and utilizing their voice in DC to support our conservation priorities. We are lucky to have Backpacker’s Pantry in our corner, and look forward to our continued partnership as we move into a big year in 2024.”

Additionally, through Eco-Cycle’s hauling and consulting services, Backpacker’s Pantry has diverted over 100,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle materials from landfills, including compost, single stream, plastic film, e-scrap, pallets, and scrap metal since 2022. The company recovers food byproducts from manufacturing, including employing staff to de-package expired consumable goods, to ensure a clean compost stream of only organic discards.

The above initiatives contributed to the company being awarded the esteemed accolade of “Best Company That Gives Back” by The Colorado Sun in 2023. This award serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from The Colorado Sun, which underscores our company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility,” said Duane Primozich, CEO at Backpacker’s Pantry. “Our charitable contributions, community engagement, and sustainable business practices reflect our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact beyond business objectives. As Backpacker’s Pantry continues to pave the way in the outdoor industry, these accolades and environmental achievements reinforce our position as a trailblazer in quality, sustainability, and local business.”

Backpacker’s Pantry has committed to sustainable business practices that extend far beyond recycling and composting. Their facility is now 100% solar powered, they successfully offset all carbon emissions from shipping and are working toward offering sustainable packaging in the next few years. Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods’ products are all USA-made and Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day, to nonprofits around the world via 1% For The Planet.

For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar-powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO. Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned, and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

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