Sodexo, one of the largest food providers, aims for 50% plant-based college menus by 2025

Foodservice provider Sodexo is ramping up its commitment to plant-based cuisine on college campuses, targeting 50% of its menus to be plant-based by 2025 in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

Sodexo, the global foodservice provider, is upping its commitment to serving more plant-based cuisine on college and university campuses. The company is aiming for 50% of its menus to be plant-based by 2025, up from its previous goal of 42%, which it announced last year. Sodexo plans to achieve this target through continued collaboration with the Humane Society of the US.

The move towards more plant-based options is driven by the need to reduce Sodexo's carbon footprint, which is largely tied to the purchase of animal-based products. In fact, over 70% of Sodexo's supply-based carbon footprint during the 2020 fiscal year was due to the purchase of animal-based products. By increasing the proportion of plant-based options on its menus, the company hopes to reduce its environmental impact.

Sodexo's current menus are about 36% plant-based, which means that the company has a significant way to go to meet its new target. However, the company's commitment to working towards this goal is a positive step towards creating more sustainable and eco-friendly dining options on college campuses.

Sodexo defines plant-based items as those that use only ingredients that come from plants, including produce and whole grains, as well as honey. This definition means that the company's plant-based options will not include any animal-based products such as meat, dairy, or eggs.

The move towards plant-based options on college campuses reflects a broader trend towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly dining options. This trend is driven in part by the desire of Gen Z diners for climate-friendlier fare. According to a survey conducted by foodservice provider Chartwells, almost four in five (79%) Gen Zers eat plant-based meals every week. Additionally, over half (53%) of Gen Zers surveyed said they are trying to reduce their meat consumption.

The increased availability of plant-based options on college campuses is also a positive development for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. In the past, it has often been difficult for those following these diets to find suitable options when dining out. However, the rise of plant-based options on college campuses means that those following vegetarian or vegan diets will have more choices when it comes to eating out.

Sodexo's commitment to serving more plant-based options on college and university menus and by reducing its reliance on animal-based products, the company hopes to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. As demand for plant-based options continues to grow, it is likely that more and more foodservice providers will follow Sodexo's lead and increase the proportion of plant-based options on their menus.

#Sodexo #PlantBased #SustainableDining #ClimateFriendlyFare #GenZ #Veganism #CollegeCampuses #HumaneSociety