Sodexo Named Among Five PHA Partner of the Year Finalists at Building a Healthier Future Summit for Achievements in Fighting Childhood Obesity

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 20, 2016 — Sodexo, the world leader in Quality of Life Services, announced today that Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) named Sodexo one of five finalists for the PHA Partner of the Year Award. The recognition is presented to a partner who is working to ensure the health of our nation’s youth, making healthier choices more affordable and accessible to families and children across the country. The award is one of the PHA’s first ever Catalyst for Change Awards. Finalists were announced during the 2016 Building a Healthier Future Summit on May 19 and winners will be announced at the PHA Gala in November 2016.

Less than two years ago, Sodexo made a commitment to PHA to improve the health and nutritional value of the children’s meals offered at 40 percent of its cultural destinations by offering a default side of a fruit or non-fried vegetable and making water or low-fat milk the default beverage. That includes cultural destinations across America such as the Seattle Aquarium, the North Carolina Zoo, the Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts and the Space Center in Houston to name a few. Sodexo has already exceeded that commitment.

“Nearly 65 percent of the locations where we serve children now have made healthy sides and drinks the default choice, with an additional 20 percent of locations taking steps toward the standard,” said Steve DiPrima, Sodexo CEO of Sports & Leisure, North America.

Sodexo has already started to see an increase in demand for its healthy offers.  From 2013 to 2014 total sales of its Mindful by Sodexo options jumped from 6 million to 15 million – an increase of more than 250 percent. Last year alone, consumers choosing a Mindful item over the traditional version saved 13.5 million calories.

To be recognized as a PHA Partner of the Year, the partner must demonstrate how it is executing key strategies with and beyond the PHA commitment, including focusing on those populations disproportionately impacted by obesity; doing well while doing good; using an innovative approach to address childhood obesity; or creating a ripple effect within their industry. The full list of finalists selected by PHA includes:

• The Dannon Company
• Henry Ford Hospital System
• KinderCare Education
• Kwik Trip
• Sodexo

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about the company at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

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Contact: Sam Wells, Sodexo, Inc., 301-987-4893, samuel.wells@sodexo.com