HSI/Canada's Forward Food program will support Sodexo's foodservice operations in introducing delicious and sustainable menu items

MONTRÉAL (October 13, 2020) — Sodexo Canada and Humane Society International/Canada are excited to announce a new national partnership that will elevate plant-based menu options in Sodexo's accounts across the country. As part of the partnership, HSI/Canada's Forward Food program will train Sodexo chefs on plant-based cooking techniques and work with Sodexo leadership to develop new, custom plant-based recipes. Select Sodexo accounts will transition at least 20% of their current menu items to be plant-based with support from HSI/Canada's Forward Food program, which has already worked with numerous institutions and businesses in Canada to enhance their plant-based offerings.

"Understanding the impacts of our services on the environment, communities we serve, wellness we provide and people we employ is on the forefront for Sodexo Canada's sustainable living initiatives. Together with Humane Society International we have refreshed our strategy to bring our teams the tools they need through training and engagement, data analysis and responsible sourcing strategies to achieve our commitment to reducing emissions and providing increased healthy and delicious plant based menu offerings," says Davide Del Brocco, sustainability manager at Sodexo Canada.

Riana Topan, campaign manager for HSI/Canada says, "We are thrilled to be partnering with Sodexo to support their sustainability and plant-based menu goals. Sodexo has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and serving more plant-based meals is critical to achieving those targets and to improving animal welfare. We look forward to supporting Sodexo's higher education, corporate, energy and resource accounts across Canada to ensure that their customers always have access to sustainable and satisfying plant-based food options."

"The Sodexo Innovation Challenge incorporates the creativity of our chefs and the resources of our Corporate Responsibility team directly into the menu development process. This synergy with HSI/Canada's Forward Food program enables us to achieve our mutual goals of creating menus that speak to the needs of Canadians and drive sustainable business practices," says Kyle Mason, Sodexo Canada's senior manager of culinary development.

In November, Sodexo and HSI/Canada's Forward Food program will host the country's first virtual, national plant-based culinary training session for 12 of Sodexo's higher education accounts. The training session will give Sodexo chefs from across Canada the opportunity to learn a variety of plant-based recipes, experiment with new ingredients and cooking techniques, and explore ways to integrate more options into Sodexo's menus. Following the training, each Sodexo account will significantly increase its offering of plant-based items that are better for animals, the environment and human health, as part of the HSI/Canada's Forward Food Pledge.

The partnership is officially launching this month, with Sodexo Canada's participation in HSI/Canada's annual Forward Food Leadership Summit. Del Brocco will speak about Sodexo's corporate social responsibility initiatives and commitment to serving more sustainable plant-based dishes. The summit will bring together food service professionals from the higher education, retail, restaurant, manufacturing and other sectors, and will discuss how to use plant-based foods to create healthier, more sustainable menus in the wake of COVID-19.

Sodexo and Humane Society International intend to co-host additional events in 2021.HSI and Sodexo are also working together on similar initiatives in other countries around the world, including in Southeast Asia,that will improve sustainability, public health and animal welfare.

Media contacts

Caroline Desvaux, Head of Communications, Sodexo Canada – tel. 514 476 2158, email: Caroline.Desvaux@sodexo.com

Riana Topan, Campaign Manager, HSI/Canada – cell: 613-315-0775, email: rtopan@hsi.org.

About Sodexo

Sodexo delivers a wide range of customized solutions, designed to optimize work and living environments. Sodexo has been providing food and facilities management services in Canada for over 40 years, with a focus on enhancing safety, work process and well-being. Sodexo is a market leader in Canada. Sodexo has been recognized as a top employer for the past seven consecutive years. Sodexo is proud to have created the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, an independent charitable organization that has raised over $3 million to fight hunger and donated more than one million meals to at-risk youth across Canada since 2007.

About Humane Society International/Canada

Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation, farm animal welfare and animals in research. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International which, together with its affiliates, constitutes one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide and on the web at hsicanada.ca.

HSI/Canada's Forward Food program is partially supported by Friends of HSI, a registered charitable organization working to protect animals through public education and awareness, rescue, sheltering, provision of veterinary services and other direct care programs. HSI/Canada's Forward Food helps institutions and businesses across Canada increase their offerings of delicious and nutritious plant-based options that are better for the animals, the environment, and human health. HSI/Canada's Forward Food provides culinary trainings, recipes and menu development support, educational sessions and help with marketing and communications – for free! Learn more at http://friendsofhsi.ca/issues/forward-food.

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