CHANGING THE WAY WE LOOK AT MILK

February 9, 2022

As long as we have served milk options beyond Whole and Skim in our cafés, be it soy or almond or coconut or oat, we’ve referred to them as “Alt Milks.” As in alternatives, options for those who can’t drink dairy, or prefer the taste of these other milks, or, in recent years, those who are aware of the environmental impact their choices make.

In 2019, the percentage of Summit customers who opted for the so-called Alt Milks was 8%; in 2021, it was 44%. So as we reflected on what our customers want, and measured the impact we’re making on our deteriorating environment, we unanimously agreed to make a bold shift: no longer will there be a surcharge for any milk option.

That’s right, the $1.00 cost for choosing a more environmentally friendly milk is gone as of this week. Is it risky? Absolutely. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely.

We’re making all milk options the same cost for two primary reasons: it’s environmentally responsible, and it’s a direct response to what customers are telling us in droves. We’re not trying to shame dairy milk drinkers — we still will offer product from our local dairy partners, be it Mills River Creamery in Asheville or Homeland Creamery for our Charlotte stores.

We believe it’s important to set an example, and as Summit continues to grow and meet new customers, work with more employees, we want to lead as the company we see ourselves to be. This is our biggest decision yet in regards to our sustainability. We’re an official partner of 1% For the Planet, and in Q4 of 2021 alone we diverted 17,000 pounds of food waste to compost facilities.

In 2008, Barack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Regardless your political bent, Obama’s sentiments about change are relevant in operating a business in 2022. We can’t wait around for everyone else to initiate change if we’re going to make progress. So while we may be a small business, our hope is to provide a template and encouragement to other businesses of all sizes that changes can work.

The changes and decisions of today will impact tomorrow, and the next generation of business leaders. This is our time to stop wondering, and start acting.