Aramark’s Be Well. Do Well. progress report, released in January 2024, described the milestones the company reached last year in several important commitment categories. This work to support people and planet continues throughout the year—and the company is proud of the achievements and progress it continues to make related to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda.
Environmental Sustainability
- Aramark signed onto New York City’s Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, an extension of Aramark's existing Coolfood Pledge to reduce food-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Read more about the NYC carbon challenge and Coolfood meals at Fordham University, an Aramark client.
- The company has increased its certified Coolfood meal recipes to more than 3,000 across multiple business lines, increased the percentage of plant-based (vegan) recipes at Aramark client locations, and launched a new plant-based concept in Aramark Sports + Entertainment.
- The company participated in a case study released by the Pacific Coast Food Waste Collaborative to test how consumer messaging impacts plate (food) waste and there is an upcoming case study planned with MCURC and U.S. Food Waste Pact.
- Aramark Germany worked with client SAP to build an employee café focused on health and environmental sustainability.
Responsible Sourcing
- Aramark published global cage free egg roadmap, as well as updates to its broiler chicken welfare roadmap. Read more.
- 72% of chicken purchases meet the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) litter requirement.
- Aramark chefs and regional leaders from the south and southeast regions continued discussions with The Common Market to expand Aramark’s BIPOC Farmer Purchasing Program. Similar discussions were held in 2023, as well.
- Aramark, in partnership with The FruitGuys Community Fund, awarded 20 new grants in 2024 to small independent farms and agricultural nonprofits to fund projects focused on regenerative agriculture and supporting local economies.
- To advance engagement and sourcing opportunities with small and diverse businesses, Aramark Supplier Diversity participated in numerous conferences, meetings, and webinars with partners, including U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce, National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and Women's Business Enterprise National Council.
Community
Aramark supports local communities throughout the year. To date, Aramark has:
- Hosted 352 community projects
- Engaged 6,300+ employee volunteers in 12 countries including United States, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, Great Britian, Ireland, Mexico, Northern Ireland, and South Korea
- Distributed 147 grants
- Contributed to nearly 250 nonprofit organizations
- Supported more than 42,000 people
- Served 35,000 meals and prepared 15,000 meal kits
Examples of Aramark volunteers giving back so far in 2024:
- Community grants awarded thanks to MLK Day volunteers.
- Star Teams serve local communities.
- Cultivating community gardens.
- International volunteers make an impact.
- Aramark’s global day of service (ABC Day) was held in May. See graphic.
Making an Impact: ABC Day 2024
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- To provide ongoing information, explanations, and direction on cultural celebrations and related food to its workforce, Aramark launched the “Beyond the Plate” Educational Series.
- In partnership with the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, Aramark welcomed the new class of HBCU Emerging Leaders to provide a focus on career exploration and professional development for students enrolled in HBCUs.
- To highlight LGBTQ+ leadership and allies, the company launched OUTspoken with Pride, a series that includes candid conversations, insightful interviews, and empowering stories.
Notable Awards
- Listed among the 2024 Fair360 Top 50 Companies for workplace fairness, transparency, equitable outcomes for employees, and other measures. Fair360 also listed Aramark a Top Company for Black Executives.
- Recognized in the Civic 50, a ranking of the most community-minded companies in the U.S.
- Named by DiversityComm Magazine as a 2024 Top Supplier Diversity Program for Women’s Business Enterprises.
- Received a 2024 Handshake Early Talent Award.
- Aramark was also recognized with several awards for its sustainability initiatives, including Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2024, 2024 Virginia Green Travel Leader Award (at James Madison University), and 2024 Green Restaurant Award in the Reusables and Disposables category (at Coastal Carolina University).
