Socially Responsible Food Service Management by Unidine

A Social and Environmental Responsibility

At Unidine, we think you should know where your food comes from-that's why we focus on supporting sustainable agriculture and using locally grown organic products whenever possible. We look for suppliers that support local farmers and use sustainable organic farming methods. In addition, we work to contract with certified growers that use sustainable farming methods and incorporate eco-friendly policies into their everyday business practices. Because healthy food is a priority at Unidine, we're taking steps to encourage and support the use of fresh, organic foods in the food service management industry. Like the sourcing of hormone-free dairy products, or our relationship with a community-supported agricultural programs, where we coordinate the receipt and distribution of organic produce to clients in the area.

But environmental responsibility does not stop there. We educating and encourage our clients to “Think Green” so that they can make the most environmentally responsible choices possible. Our clients have the option and are encouraged to purchase an array of greener products from environmentally sound packaging solutions to grass-fed beef to locally harvested produce. We also counsel our clients on how they can maximize energy and water conservation efforts. For example, recommending the purchase of energy efficient dishwashers that helped one client save 840 gallons of water daily and realize a 30-40% reduction in dishwashing detergent. Wwe advocate for the purchase of additional food storage containers, resulting in a 60% reduction in the use of aluminum foil. While these purchases required an initial investment, they are cost-effective long-term choices.

Aligning ourselves with like-minded organizations such as HealthCare Without Harm.

In 2008, Unidine became the first food service management organization servicing health care to commit their support for nutritious, local, sustainable food by signing Health Care Without Harm’s (HCWH) Food Service Contractor Pledge. The Pledge is a commitment which outlines steps the Food Service industry can take to support their client hospitals' interest in local sustainable food, and steps it will take as an organization to educate, track and report its progress on adoption of nutritious, local, sustainable food. In 2007, Unidine was also the first food service management contractor to sign HCWH’s original Healthy Food in Healthcare Pledge. Not only does Unidine support healthy food in the healthcare realm, it also serves healthy, local and sustainable food whenever possible to clients at its corporate and senior services accounts. Click here to find out more about our efforts with Heal Care Without Harm.