Social Responsibility

Change for the Future
Sustainability, while seen by some as nothing more than an eco-trend, is without a doubt the most necessary change that must take place to preserve our way of life. While the ideal itself has many names, definitions, and even sub- categories, every part of it talks about a change for the future. Unfortunately, change is not always easy, but as Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Focus on Sustainable Development
One of the first things we did was hold a staff meeting, the topic of which was basic information on what Sustainability is and what our role was going to be. During this meeting we realized we had a few people who took this issue very seriously and they became the members of our Sustainability team. They will be holding meetings on a regular basis to discuss ideas on how to keep growing in our Sustainability role. One of the objectives is to reduce the amount of trash we send to a landfill. According to the EPA, approximately 6.7% of the municipal solid waste in the United States consists of food scraps. While it may seem like a small percentage, it adds up to over 13.2 million tons per year. So we will be joining the campus-wide composting program and with your help, we can make a big difference. Additionally, in an effort to cut down on paper waste the hub will offer sturdy reusable dinnerware.

Journey towards Environmental, Social and Business Sustainability
Six years ago, Sodexo introduced a ‘Recycle Mug’ program and has donated over $250,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation from the sale of these mugs on college campuses across the country. Not only does the use of this mug substantially reduce waste, but every sale of the mug directly benefits the health of our nation's fish and wildlife and their respective habitats.

At DePauw, we took it one step further and issued each employee a mug to be used instead of disposable cups for all drinks while at work - a difference of approximately 24,000 cups per school year. In addition to the mugs, we also recycle our cardboard, glass, and plastic. We brought in organic and fair trade coffees at the Hub and Café Roy, brought in local coffees at the GCPA, baked goods from Bloomington, switched to eco-friendly chemicals and replaced some paper products with corn-based plastic products.

Social and Business Sustainability
As the leader in food and facilities management services, Sodexo’s primary concern is for the daily needs of our customers. Our goal is to serve our customers while taking action to ensure a better quality of life for future generations. As a company, we have a social initiative to stop hunger and malnutrition, as well as promoting healthy eating options. Our Environmental Initiatives are to reduce carbon emissions, develop a global waste management system and pollution prevention program and initiate an energy and water conservation program. Michel Landel, president and CEO of Sodexo Alliance, our global parent company, said, “Through simple acts, we improve the quality of daily life everywhere, with respect for people and the environment.

” Simple acts add up to a better future for the environment, our health and well-being, our earth and our people. Sodexo is leading our industry by replacing all of our cooking oils to those with Zero Trans Fats and organizing local food drives through promotions such as Cans Across America. Sodexo is dedicated to educating our operators about Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, Community Outreach and other programs. Sodexo partners with our clients and customers, suppliers and the communities in which we serve to make a difference everyday. DePauw Dining Services supports several local organizations: The Putnam County Emergency Food Bank, Relay for Life and Second Helpings.

Meet your Sustainability Team

Steve Santo: General Manager for 6 years
Frank: Chef for 3 years
Grandpa Dave: Cook for 15 years
Josh: Cook for 2 years

Linda Wallace: Longden Manager for 6 years

Anthony Facchini : Sous Chef for 1 year
Trish: Grill for 2 years
Laura:  LongdenCook 2 years

Introducing Apex, our new dishwashing system

STOP Hunger
Since 1999, the Sodexo Foundation has been committed to being a driving and creative force that contributes to a hunger-free nation. In order to eliminate hunger that affects 36 million people in the U.S., we must fight its root causes... visit helpstophunger.org

Our Manufacturing Partners
Sodexo has been an active member of industry coalitions which encourage legislators, manufacturers and consumers to jointly develop rational, not reactionary, strategies to today's environmental needs. We select our manufacturing partners watchfully. Fort Howard, our largest contracted supplier of paper, napkins, tissue and towels, uses recycled fiber exclusively in the manufacturing process. Mobil Chemical, our primary contracted source for plastic can liners, uses from 30% to 90% recycled materials in their plastic liners.

Sweetheart Cup, Solo Cup, Amoco, Dart and Mobil all use pre-recycled material in the manufacture of foam plates, bowls and food containers. Sodexo will continue to form alliances with business organizations that are ecologically sound and responsible. We will continue to work with consumer organizations, governmental agencies and industry groups to implement new strategies and tactics as they evolve. We will actively participate in the long-range planning process at the local and national levels to ensure that our environment and economy are protected for future generations to come.