Sodexo Receives “A” on Protein Sustainability Scorecard from Humane Society of the United States

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Sodexo, a global food services and facilities management leader, has been awarded an “A” by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Protein Sustainability Scorecard.

The goal of the scorecard is to establish what the nation’s largest food service companies are doing to obtain their sustainability goals and where they are on their sustainability journey. Participating organizations completed a short survey focused on three main topics: transparency, goals, and a plan of action.  

Sodexo’s companywide commitment to embracing plant-based proteins, its collaboration with HSUS on increasing plant-based menu options, and its assessment of emissions related to supply chain purchases placed it 2^nd overall on the scorecard. As part of its overall goal of achieving a 34% carbon reduction target, Sodexo has committed to implementing 33% plant-based menus by 2025.  

“Sodexo is more than an advocate; we are proud to be a leader in sustainable food practices,” CEO of Government and Campus, Sodexo North America Brett Ladd said. “Working with our partners across the food system, including the Humane Society of the United States, we can unlock the solutions for a better tomorrow.”

In addition, Sodexo has implemented several initiatives to increase and promote plant-based offerings, including:

• Implementing the 1:1 concept – offering one plant-based entrée for every animal-based entrée
• Utilizing the DefaultVeg concept – making plant-based food the default and giving consumers a choice to substitute with animal products
• Offering professional development opportunities to staff related to plant-based education, marketing, recipe development, and culinary skills, including Plant-Based Takeovers where Sodexo chefs receive plant-based menu training led by HSUS
• Providing plant-based education to customers and clients through blog posts, website and social media content, and virtual and in-person training

“The scorecard report is designed to identify the steps food service companies like Sodexo are taking to address the climate and food system emergency we are experiencing,” Karla Dumas, RDN, director of food service innovation for HSUS, said. “Animal products served in food service operations carry the largest carbon footprint and can be the product of industrialized cruelty towards animals in the agriculture system. Without a multi-tiered approach to shifting from a meat-heavy menu to one that’s focused on plant-based entrees, companies can’t claim to be committed to a sustainability plan.”

Sodexo remains committed to serving delicious and nourishing plant-based menus in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change and is excited to continue a more than 15-year partnership with HSUS to develop and foster a more humane supply chain.

About Sodexo North America

Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 55 countries. Sodexo provides quality, multichannel and flexible food experiences, but also designs attractive and inclusive workplaces and shared spaces, manages and maintains infrastructure in a safe and environmentally friendly way, offers personalized support for patients or students and even creates programs fostering employee engagement. The company employs 90,066 people at thousands of sites in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs through its annual purchases of $20B in goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to focusing on tangible everyday gestures and actions through its integrated services to create a better every day for everyone and build a better life for all. 

About the Humane Society of the United States

Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States fights the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, we take on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries. With our affiliates, we rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals every year through our animal rescue team’s work and other hands-on animal care services. We fight all forms of animal cruelty to achieve the vision behind our name: A humane society. Learn more about the Humane Society’s work.