Part of the mission of the United States Air Force (USAF) is to ensure military members are fit and ready to act at all times. In that regard, the synergy between food, culinary science, nutrition, and the military’s mission is more vital than ever.
At several USAF bases, Aramark Salute Hospitality has introduced a program called Food for Function, which delivers targeted nutrition to fuel performance while leveraging the power of food to enhance morale and emotional wellbeing.
“We craft custom culinary and hospitality experiences to best serve the military community,” said Gregory Sides, National Account Director, Aramark Salute Hospitality. “Food for Function is just one way we’re fueling our military and defense customers for performance while engaging, inspiring, and motivating the community.”
Food for Function fits into the USAF’s Food 2.0 program.
"The Food 2.0 program is built on the belief that nutrition is not just about sustenance; it's about performance and longevity,” said Tim Cummings, Chief, 2.0 Mission Feeding, USAF. “We work closely with our Aramark partners who are constantly innovating, introducing new ingredients, modern cooking techniques, and culturally inspired menus to meet the evolving needs of today’s Airmen and tomorrow’s mission."
Salute Hospitality serves Airmen, civilians, and military families at 13 USAF bases from Alaska to Florida.
Fueling Performance: Food for Function
With menus created by Aramark dietitians and chefs, Food for Function provides nutrient-dense meals crafted to deliver what each service member needs to support their physical activity levels across all phases of training and deployment.
Wayfinding signage offers simple yet effective icons for:
- Strength - High quality, lean protein to support strength building and muscle maintenance;
- Energy - Fiber-rich carbohydrates to support sustained energy;
- Wellbeing – A balance of nutrient-rich ingredients to support overall wellbeing; and
- Better for You - Snacks and beverages that identify the nutritional power of snacking and hydration as an integral part of the wellness mix.
Some tasty Food for Function menu selections include Garlic Ginger Shrimp Lettuce Wraps (Energy), Portobello Banh Mi (Wellbeing), Turkey Bacon and Egg Muffin (Wellbeing and Strength), Grilled Salmon with Asparagus (Wellbeing), and Fresh Crudité Cup (Better for You).
Saluting the Military Community
Focused on serving the people who serve in the military and government communities, Aramark Salute Hospitality is a curated company that is part of the Aramark Workplace Experience Group.
Aramark enjoys several enterprise-wide partnerships with military and veteran organizations—and is proud to employ service members, veterans, and military spouses in a wide variety of careers across the company.
Aramark’s employee resource group, Salute, supports the company in attracting, appreciating, and retaining veteran talent and their families to build careers, connections, and community into the workplace experience.
