WORCESTER, Mass – Sodexo which provides food services at Clark University’s three dining locations and catering for the Worcester campus today announced it has been named “2011 Gold Award Winner” in the Food Establishment category by MassRecycle. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, municipalities, and organizations for outstanding efforts to increase recycling and eliminate waste in Massachusetts.

MassRecycle presents the Food Establishment Recycling Award to Sodexo at Clark University for significant advancements made in reducing dining hall waste. The award will be presented at the 16th Annual Recycling Awards Ceremony on November 15th in Lexington.

“This recognition is quite an honor as it clearly demonstrates our proven commitment to sustainability,” said Heather Vaillette, General Manager for Sodexo at Clark University. “We strive to not only keep but exceed our promise to use resources wisely.”

Since 2007, changes implemented on campus include waste reduction through tray-less dining and other methods to reduce unnecessary food production; a comprehensive food waste composting program that includes kitchen prep food scraps, post-consumer food trimmings, meat, dairy, coffee cups, and more; the use of only reusable or compostable cutlery, take-out containers, plates and cups in all dining areas; and recycling bins with highly visible signage located beside all trash receptacles at all dining locations.

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As further diversion of food from the waste stream, Sodexo at Clark University donates food and milk to Rachel’s Table, a local food rescue service which delivers to food pantries in the area.

Sodexo employees at Clark University receive extensive and continual training on how to separate compost, recyclables, and trash and proper production procedures to maximize the raw food product served. In 2010 the program composted 403 tons, recycled 92 tons and reused 2,500 tons.

MassRecycle is a statewide coalition of individuals, governments, businesses, institutions and non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting and realizing the vital environmental, social and economic benefits created by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste materials, and by increasing the utilization of recycled products.

For more information, contact Heather Vaillette, General Manager, Clark University Dining Services, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610. T: 508 793 7158 E: hvaillette@clarku.edu.

About Sodexo at Clark University

Sodexo at Clark University is a from-scratch based dining program, focused on raw, local ingredients with seasonal and trend-based options on the menu. Clark Dining Services upholds the tenets of Sodexo’s Better Tomorrow Sustainability Plan which develops and promotes health and wellness solutions, varied and balanced food options and choices with a reduced intake of sugar, salt and fats at all our clients’ sites.

For more information, visit www.clarku.edu.