Social Sustainability:
Health and Wellness

Ralcorp’s dedication to health and wellness is two-fold. We support initiatives for employees, and we take part in health and wellness initiatives that impact consumers through our industry leadership and product offerings.

Employee Support
Ralcorp employees are the lifeblood of our business and our focus on health and wellness begins with them. The cornerstone of Ralcorp’s health and wellness support is the comprehensive suite of health insurance benefit programs we offer to qualified employees. These programs include optional employer subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. Our manufacturing facilities also coordinate a variety of health and wellness activities benefiting local employees. These activities have included health fairs, on-site flu shots, blood drives, first aid trainings, and wellness classes such as aerobics and healthy lifestyles workshops.

One popular initiative across the Ralcorp divisions is our Weight Watcher’s weight loss challenge, or The Biggest Loser contests in some locations. These weight loss contests are held at least quarterly and are more frequent when demand is high. In Ralcorp’s headquarters location, participants' weight loss averaged over 10-pounds each.

Industry Leadership
Ralcorp is an industry leader in the categories where we are represented and we take this position very seriously. We maintain active involvement in industry and trade organizations, with a special interest in activities impacting consumers' health. Ralcorp’s divisions, Post Foods and Ralston Foods are charter members of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) led Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF). Launched in 2009, this national, multi-year effort was designed to help reduce obesity – especially childhood obesity.  The HWCF seeks to create a national movement dedicated to this cause and will promote ways to help people achieve a healthy weight through energy balance by focusing on the workplace, the marketplace, and schools.

More than 40 retailers, non-governmental organizations, and food and beverage manufacturers have partnered with HWCF.  The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is a member of this initiative, and our Co-CEO, Kevin Hunt is a board member of FMI, while Ralcorp’s Co-CEO, David Skarie, is a board member for both GMA and HWCF. 

Product Offerings
Each of Ralcorp’s four divisions maintains a balanced product portfolio ranging from everyday healthful options to tasty treats to be enjoyed in moderation.  We are answering consumers’ nutrition, value, and taste preferences by offering regular and better-for-you product options.  A few examples of our divisions’ product reformulations or more healthful options include the following.

• At Post Foods, iconic brands such as Shredded Wheat, Post Raisin Bran, and Grape Nuts are excellent sources of fiber and whole grains, and provide protein.  Each has at least 6 grams of fiber, 22 grams of whole grains, and 4 grams of protein per serving, while Grape Nuts contains 7 grams of fiber, 33 grams of whole grains, and 6 grams of protein per serving.
• The Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products division makes products ranging from soft sandwich buns and dinner rolls to high-quality artisan table loaves, sandwich breads and rolls, available in all-natural and organic varieties.  Their classic buttermilk biscuits and Danish coffee cakes contain zero grams trans fat.
• Ralcorp’s Snacks, Sauces, and Spreads division offers popular snacks nuts such as peanuts and almonds that are naturally good sources of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and some minerals. In addition, the division’s Ry Krisp brand crackers are known for their whole grains and fiber in a cracker free of saturated fat; trans fat; hydrogenated oils; artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives; and cholesterol. More healthful sauces and spreads in the division include sugar free offerings in preserves, jellies and syrups, and a gluten-free syrup option.
• The Ralston Foods division produces a variety of oat-based hot cereals, which are naturally high in fiber and protein.  Adding to this, Ralston Foods makes low-sugar instant oatmeal and instant oats with flax seed. The Bloomfield Bakers unit of Ralston Foods produces a variety of nutrient rich, vitamin fortified cereal and nutrition bars, and has certified organic production capabilities.