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  <xs:element id="unfi_MaturityComponentDomain" abstract="true" name="MaturityComponentDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_SpringingMaturityComponentTwoMember" abstract="true" name="SpringingMaturityComponentTwoMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentCovenantSpringingMaturityCriteriaNumberOfDaysPriorToMaturityOfSeniorNotesIfCircumstancesMet" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCovenantSpringingMaturityCriteriaNumberOfDaysPriorToMaturityOfSeniorNotesIfCircumstancesMet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentCovenantSpringingMaturityCriteriaMinimumPrincipalAmountOutstanding" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCovenantSpringingMaturityCriteriaMinimumPrincipalAmountOutstanding" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LineofCreditAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" abstract="false" name="LineofCreditAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentGuaranteesExceptionCarryingValueofOwnedRealProperty" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentGuaranteesExceptionCarryingValueofOwnedRealProperty" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentDebtPrepaymentPeriod" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentDebtPrepaymentPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_VoluntaryRepaymentsofDebt" abstract="false" name="VoluntaryRepaymentsofDebt" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ABLCreditFacilityRevolverLoansMember" abstract="true" name="ABLCreditFacilityRevolverLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ABLCreditFacilityFILOTrancheMember" abstract="true" name="ABLCreditFacilityFILOTrancheMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityOptionalIncrease" abstract="false" name="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityOptionalIncrease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityReserves" abstract="false" name="LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityReserves" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRAndBankersAcceptanceRateMember" abstract="true" name="SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRAndBankersAcceptanceRateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_InventoriesAndCurrentAssetsofDiscontinuedOperationsMember" abstract="true" name="InventoriesAndCurrentAssetsofDiscontinuedOperationsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ReceivablesandCurrentAssetsofDiscontinuedOperationsMember" abstract="true" name="ReceivablesandCurrentAssetsofDiscontinuedOperationsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_IntangibleAssetsNetMember" abstract="true" name="IntangibleAssetsNetMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ABLLoansMember" abstract="true" name="ABLLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsFixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsFixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityNoFILOLoansOutstandingAmount" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityNoFILOLoansOutstandingAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityPercentageOfBorrowingBase" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityPercentageOfBorrowingBase" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_SwapAgreementsMember" abstract="true" name="SwapAgreementsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_OtherCashFlowHedgesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherCashFlowHedgesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LeaseRightofUseAsset" abstract="false" name="LeaseRightofUseAsset" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LeaseLiability" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiability" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_Othersubleaseincomenet" abstract="false" name="Othersubleaseincomenet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_Financeleasecost" abstract="false" name="Financeleasecost" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_OperatingLeasesNetLeaseObligationsAbstract" abstract="true" name="OperatingLeasesNetLeaseObligationsAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearOne" abstract="false" name="LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearOne" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearTwo" abstract="false" name="LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearTwo" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="unfi_LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearFour" abstract="false" name="LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearFive" abstract="false" name="LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationYearFive" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationAfterYearFive" abstract="false" name="LesseeNetOperatingLeaseObligationAfterYearFive" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="unfi_FinanceLeasesNetLeaseObligationsAbstract" abstract="true" name="FinanceLeasesNetLeaseObligationsAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="unfi_FinanceLeaseNetLeaseObligationsYearFour" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseNetLeaseObligationsYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="unfi_FinanceLeasesNetLeaseObligations" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesNetLeaseObligations" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="unfi_CashPaidForAmountsIncludedInTheMeasurementOfLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract" abstract="true" name="CashPaidForAmountsIncludedInTheMeasurementOfLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_A2020EquityIncentivePlanMember" abstract="true" name="A2020EquityIncentivePlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfInstallments" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfInstallments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RestructuringAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedExpensesMember" abstract="true" name="RestructuringAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedExpensesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_PerformanceAwardMember" abstract="true" name="PerformanceAwardMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceStockUnitsMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceStockUnitsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceStockUnitsEquityClassifiedMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceStockUnitsEquityClassifiedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceStockUnitsLiabilityClassifiedMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceStockUnitsLiabilityClassifiedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodIntrinsicValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodIntrinsicValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" abstract="true" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract" abstract="true" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfParticipants" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfParticipants" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_SupervaluRetirementPlanMember" abstract="true" name="SupervaluRetirementPlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationChangeInDiscountRate" abstract="false" name="DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationChangeInDiscountRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_SUPERVALUINCRetirementPlanMember" abstract="true" name="SUPERVALUINCRetirementPlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_OtherPensionPlansMember" abstract="true" name="OtherPensionPlansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetActuarialLoss" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetActuarialLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RetirementPlanAgeAxis" abstract="true" name="RetirementPlanAgeAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RetirementPlanAgeDomain" abstract="true" name="RetirementPlanAgeDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RetirementPlanBeforeAge65Member" abstract="true" name="RetirementPlanBeforeAge65Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RetirementPlanAfterAge65Member" abstract="true" name="RetirementPlanAfterAge65Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumed" abstract="false" name="DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumed" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_PrivateEquityFundsAndRealEstateMember" abstract="true" name="PrivateEquityFundsAndRealEstateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanSignificantDeepRedZoneStatusFundingPercentage" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanSignificantDeepRedZoneStatusFundingPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanSignificantDeepRedZoneStatusExpectedInsolventPeriod" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanSignificantDeepRedZoneStatusExpectedInsolventPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanSignificantRedZoneStatusFundingPercentage" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanSignificantRedZoneStatusFundingPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanSignificantYellowZoneStatusFundingPercentage" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanSignificantYellowZoneStatusFundingPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanSignificantGreenZoneStatusFundingPercentage" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanSignificantGreenZoneStatusFundingPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_NumberOfMultiemployerPlans" abstract="false" name="NumberOfMultiemployerPlans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansPaymentPeriod" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansPaymentPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MinneapolisFoodDistributingIndustryPensionPlanMember" abstract="true" name="MinneapolisFoodDistributingIndustryPensionPlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MinneapolisRetailMeatCuttersAndFoodHandlersPensionFundMember" abstract="true" name="MinneapolisRetailMeatCuttersAndFoodHandlersPensionFundMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MinneapolisRetailMeatCuttersAndFoodHandlersVariableAnnuityPensionFundMember" abstract="true" name="MinneapolisRetailMeatCuttersAndFoodHandlersVariableAnnuityPensionFundMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_CentralStatesSoutheastandSouthwestAreasPensionFundMember" abstract="true" name="CentralStatesSoutheastandSouthwestAreasPensionFundMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_UFCWUnionsAndParticipatingEmployersPensionFundMember" abstract="true" name="UFCWUnionsAndParticipatingEmployersPensionFundMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_WesternConferenceOfTeamstersPensionPlanMember" abstract="true" name="WesternConferenceOfTeamstersPensionPlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_AllOtherMultiemployerPensionPlansMember" abstract="true" name="AllOtherMultiemployerPensionPlansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanPPASurchargesonEligibleContributionsPercent" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanPPASurchargesonEligibleContributionsPercent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanNumberofPlans" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanNumberofPlans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanPensionNumberOfPlansWithoutFutureContributions" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanPensionNumberOfPlansWithoutFutureContributions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_UfcwUnionsAndParticipatingEmployersPensionFundMember" abstract="true" name="UfcwUnionsAndParticipatingEmployersPensionFundMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_NumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreements" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreements" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveredEmployees" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveredEmployees" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesRenegotiated" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesRenegotiated" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfEmployeesRenegotiatedCollectiveBargainingAgreement" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfEmployeesRenegotiatedCollectiveBargainingAgreement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesExpired" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesExpired" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesNegotiated" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesNegotiated" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfEmployeesNegotiatedCollectiveBargainingAgreement" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfEmployeesNegotiatedCollectiveBargainingAgreement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesScheduledtoExpire" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfCollectiveBargainingAgreementsCoveringEmployeesScheduledtoExpire" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfEmployeesExpireCollectiveBargainingAgreement" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlansCollectiveBargainingArrangementNumberOfEmployeesExpireCollectiveBargainingAgreement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEnhancedInventoryDonationsAmount" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEnhancedInventoryDonationsAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCARESActAmount" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCARESActAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_PaymentstoGovernmentAgencies" abstract="false" name="PaymentstoGovernmentAgencies" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopment" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DeferredTaxAssetsNonLossTaxCarryforwards" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsNonLossTaxCarryforwards" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationsOnUseAmount" abstract="false" name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationsOnUseAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DeferredTaxAssetsDisallowedInterestExpenseCarryforward" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsDisallowedInterestExpenseCarryforward" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DeferredTaxAssetsDisallowedInterestExpenseCarryforwardUtilized" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsDisallowedInterestExpenseCarryforwardUtilized" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_DeferredTaxAssetsDisallowedInterestExpenseCarryforwardValuationAllowance" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsDisallowedInterestExpenseCarryforwardValuationAllowance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ConventionalSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="ConventionalSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_RetailSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="RetailSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_AdjustedEBITDA" abstract="false" name="AdjustedEBITDA" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_NetIncomeAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests" abstract="false" name="NetIncomeAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ShareBasedCompensationEBITDAAdjustment" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationEBITDAAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_MultiemployerPlanWithdrawalCharges" abstract="false" name="MultiemployerPlanWithdrawalCharges" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_OtherRetailExpense" abstract="false" name="OtherRetailExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_GainLossOnBusinessTransformation" abstract="false" name="GainLossOnBusinessTransformation" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_NationalOpioidEpidemicMember" abstract="true" name="NationalOpioidEpidemicMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_ComplaintFromVariousHealthPlansMember" abstract="true" name="ComplaintFromVariousHealthPlansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_SchutteandYarberryv.SuperValuNewAlbertsonsInc.etalMember" abstract="true" name="SchutteandYarberryv.SuperValuNewAlbertsonsInc.etalMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_AdvantageLogisticsMember" abstract="true" name="AdvantageLogisticsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_GuarantorObligationsGuaranteesTerm" abstract="false" name="GuarantorObligationsGuaranteesTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_GuarantorObligationsMaximumExposureDiscounted" abstract="false" name="GuarantorObligationsMaximumExposureDiscounted" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="unfi_LossContingencyShareofPotentialAwardValue" abstract="false" name="LossContingencyShareofPotentialAwardValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
