Sodexo Unveils First International Sustainable Food Barometer
Uncovering Global Sustainable Eating Attitudes and Gaps Between Intentions and Behaviors
In a world grappling with the environmental impact of its food systems, the call for sustainable practices is more urgent than ever. As the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, we have developed the International Sustainable Food Barometer, in collaboration with Harris Interactive. This first edition of the barometer stands out for its focus on amplifying the voices of respondents across different geographies and cultures, shedding light on their understanding of sustainable food and deciphering potential gaps between perceptions, intentions, and behaviors.
Reported attitudes and perceptions of sustainable eating by US citizens showed geographic-specific attitudes and levers that can help motivate our country toward a more sustainable way of eating.
Learn more about US-specific insights in our press release.
You can also read our 2023 Sustainability and CSR Report to learn about our ongoing sustainability journey and progress.
At Sodexo, we are committed to leading the way to a more sustainable future for people and the planet, and this barometer provides valuable data toward achieving our ambitious goals.”
– Sarosh Ministry, CEO, Sodexo North America
Sustainable Food Barometer - Download the U.S. Report
As we navigate the complex landscape of sustainable eating, our Sustainable Food Barometer serves as a compass, guiding stakeholders toward a future where nourishing our bodies aligns seamlessly with nourishing the planet.
A few interesting takeaways from the report:
- The awareness of the urgent need to change eating habits is not only well-established, but also positively perceived.
- There is a gap between aspirations and actual behaviors.
- Personal benefits of sustainable food, such as better health, are more motivating than collective benefits.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Food
Our ambition is to be the world leader in sustainable food. We are committed to influencing people’s food choices towards a more balanced and sustainable diet. We have been committed to and continue to stay focused on ways to provide exceptional and delicious sustainable eating options for our consumers.
Interested in learning more about sustainable eating and how we perceive it across the globe?
Cutting Carbon Emissions
We’re looking to cut harmful carbon emissions everywhere we can. From helping clients reduce energy use to sourcing responsibly within our network of diverse suppliers including over 1,400 U.S. farmers, we follow the principles of the circular economy. We also collaborate with industry peers to co-develop sustainable products and services. When it comes to the planet, we’re all in this together.
Cut Carbon, Save Money with Utility Expense Management
Utility bills are a pain point for businesses and consumers alike. Inefficient systems and practices also contribute to carbon emissions. Our Utility Expense Management program helps clients save money, reduce emissions and stay in compliance by tracking, managing and improving utility use.
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Fresh, Local, Healthy: Supporting Regenerative Agriculture
In northern California, Sodexo’s Good Eating Company is supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) farmers in using regenerative agriculture practices. Sourcing from these diverse suppliers, we serve our clients the best in fresh, sustainable produce.
Reducing Food Waste
We have an aggressive target to cut food waste: 50% reduction at 85% of our U.S. sites by 2025. Our WasteWatch by Leanpath program is the strongest tool in our arsenal — an easy-to-use scale system that tracks and measures kitchen food waste, providing reports and recommendations to enable our chefs to reduce future food waste. We also repurpose and donate extra food, which supports our commitment to feeding hungry people.
Donating Excess Food to Fight Hunger
No one wants perfectly good food to go to landfills. Especially when so many people are hungry. At National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C., Sodexo Executive Chef Annette Oliveras makes sure safe, edible excess food makes its way to those in need through the non-profit Food Rescue US.
Reenvisioning Food Trimmings
In the Sodexo Good Eating Company’s dining rooms of California tech companies, employees enjoy soups, sauces and pestos made from food trimmings and “upcycled” products with an auditable supply chain showing positive environmental impact. It’s a win for our environment, landfills and plates.
Promoting Plant-Based Plates
We’re excited about the growing demand for plant-based foods and its potential impact on carbon emissions. We’re committed to making 33% of main dishes on planned menus plant-based by 2025; in our Campus segment, we’ll shift 50% of planned entrées to plant-based. And 100% of our U.S. consumers will be offered healthy options every day by 2025. Across the country, our chefs prove plant-based eating is delicious, healthy and sustainable.
Good Medicine: Patients Savor Plant-Based Meals
At New York City Health + Hospitals, patients have embraced plant-based meals. After a successful pilot program with the city, edamame falafel and kabocha squash are popular fare, along with meals inspired by the flavors of Latin America, Asia and other places representing the diverse population.
The Future of Campus is Plant-Based and Sustainable
Today’s college students want more plant-based dishes. And the Knorr & World Wildlife Fund’s Future 50 Foods list is full of biodiverse, affordable and flavorful foods delivering low environmental impact and high nutrition. Read how the University of Vermont serves up inspiring, sustainable Future Foods.