(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) GAITHERSBURG, MD - August 24, 2010 - With consumer demand for sustainable food growing by the day, Sodexo, North America's leading provider of Quality of Daily Life Solutions and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), a leading voice for human rights in the U.S. agricultural industry, have joined forces to improve farm worker wages and working conditions in the tomato fields of Florida. The agreement that establishes the new partnership was signed this week and takes effect when the fall harvest begins in Florida.
The agreement puts in place a strict Florida tomato supplier code of conduct - developed and implemented with input from farm workers - that supplements Sodexo's existing supplier code of conduct. Sodexo will also pay a 1.5-cent premium for every pound of Florida tomatoes purchased, with the premium going directly to improving wages for tomato harvesters who are part of Sodexo's supply chain.
Through this agreement, Sodexo, along with other CIW partner companies, will steer its tomato purchases toward those growers who make a genuine effort to meet the specific code of conduct, and away from those growers who are found continue to be associated with abusive labor practices. In keeping with the Fair Food Program and its zero tolerance policy for forced labor, Sodexo will instruct its suppliers not to knowingly purchase tomatoes for Sodexo from Six L's and any other farms associated with the latest slavery prosecution in Florida, until such time as they become participants in the Fair Food Program.
In a parallel process, Sodexo will work to expand the ability of its distributors to report the growers from whom it buys tomatoes. This increased transparency will ensure that more humane agricultural labor practices are rewarded with increased purchases and will allow for a more accurate measure of the concrete changes in farm labor conditions brought about by the agreement.
"Sodexo is committed to protecting and upholding the rights of all workers, whether employed directly by us or by our business partners and suppliers," said Arlin Wasserman, Sodexo vice president for sustainability and corporate social responsibility. "Our Supplier Code of Conduct has always emphasized strong practices and policies regarding labor practices and working conditions. We can now strengthen these as they relate to specific concerns facing farm workers in Florida's tomato growing region, which were brought to our attention by the CIW. We are pleased with the newly adopted Code of Conduct specific to these Florida farm workers."
For more information about Sodexo's comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct, please visit www.sodexousa.com.
"We are happy to be working with an industry leader like Sodexo to advance fundamental human rights in Florida's fields," said Lucas Benitez of the CIW. "Social responsibility takes a genuine, sustained engagement with workers and growers on the ground, and a determination to support, with increased business, those growers who agree to comply with the highest standards."
"Together with Sodexo and our other partners, we are building a system of real accountability, with tangible consequences for growers who fail to protect farm workers' basic rights," continued Benitez. "It is our belief that such accountability, with worker input, will be the foundation for lasting improvements in the industry."
Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com) leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md. funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $13 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.
Coalition of the Immokalee Workers (CIW)
The CIW (www.ciw-online.org) is a community-based farmworker organization headquartered in Immokalee, Florida, with over 4,000 members. The CIW seeks modern working conditions for farmworkers and promotes their fair treatment in accordance with national and international labor standards. Among its accomplishments, the CIW has aided in the prosecution by the Department of Justice of six slavery operations and the liberation of well over 1,000 workers. The CIW's Campaign for Fair Food has won unprecedented support for fundamental farm labor reforms from retail food industry leaders, with the goal of enlisting the market power of those companies to demand more humane labor standards from their Florida tomato suppliers.
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At Acre Resources we've been transforming our working habits to lower our carbon impact. Our efforts have significantly reduced our emissions - but we've also seen them generating all kinds of positive side effects for the business.
The whole Acre team got involved in 10:10 from the outset, suggesting small things we could do to make a real difference to our carbon footprint. We installed energy saving bulbs, began switching off appliances at the plug overnight, and even held a competition to encourage staff to use the stairs rather than the lift to reach our fifth floor office - getting us in better shape as well as reducing electricity usage. A strong start, but where next? Find out in our 10:10 update blog
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(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) WASHINGTON, D.C.- Aug. 23, 2010- The American Red Cross today recognized The UPS Foundation for its support of Red Cross disaster response work through the Annual Disaster Giving Program.
Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program pledge donations on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters, to help the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.
“Thanks to the support of The UPS Foundation and other companies and foundations, the Red Cross has a reliable funding base for disaster relief services,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “This enables the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disaster anywhere in the United States, providing food, shelter, emotional support, and other essential assistance to disaster victims.”
“When disasters strike, The American Red Cross resources and logistics capabilities are essential to getting supplies to those in need,” said The UPS Foundation President Ken Sternad. “Our partnership is one element of UPS’s global humanitarian relief program, combining financial grants, in-kind services and logistics expertise to aid in preparedness, relief and recovery efforts around the world.”
“The generous donations by members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program help the Red Cross assist victims of disaster and support volunteers who work tirelessly at the disaster scene,” said Neal Litvack, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. “All money donated by the program members and by the general public is essential to our ability to serve the mission of the Red Cross.”
Other members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program include major leading companies such as Altria Group, American Express, AXA Foundation, Cisco Foundation, ConAgra Foods, Darden Restaurants, Inc., FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, General Motors Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Ryder Charitable Foundation, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., and UnitedHealthcare.
People can join the Annual Disaster Giving Program members in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year. Visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.
Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013
. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
The American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
About The UPS Foundation:
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. UPS promotes community involvement through its ongoing volunteerism and grant programs, environmental sustainability and corporate philanthropy. In 2009, UPS’s charitable contributions totaled nearly $100 million and UPS employees and their families contributed more than 1.2 million hours of volunteer service. The company can be found on the web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
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(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Gaithersburg, Md. - August 17, 2010 - As millions of parents pack their cars with dorm décor preparing to make the college-bound trek with their freshmen children known as campus move-in day, Sodexo will greet them with welcoming events that include music, kiosks to answer questions and a tent sale stocked with dorm-fridge favorites at nearly 200 Sodexo-served campuses from New England to Hawaii.
Sodexo’s Campus Services President Tom Post came up with the idea, called Fill My Fridge (SM), after experiencing a frustrating move-in day with his son last August. Move-in day was chaotic for his family and after hours of unanswered questions and confusion, they had to drive for an hour to a box store to get supplies for his son’s dorm fridge.
“Sending your child off to college is a rite of passage for parents and students,” said Post. “We launched a program that creates the kind of exceptional experience I wished for my family – one that makes move-in day a seamless celebration.”
During resident hall move-in day, Sodexo will set up an area where parents can purchase goods to stock their students’ dorms with dry goods, refrigerated goods, and beverages. Families can enjoy music and get a complimentary bottle of water or snack as they prepare to say farewell.
Sodexo researched favorite dorm food of 18-to 24-year-old students and worked with suppliers, which included engaging local farmers and produce companies to provide local fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and bread. Sodexo is also working with its vendor partners, including national beverage companies, to help stock dorm fridges.
At the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in North Dartmouth, Mass., Sodexo will serve a complimentary barbecue for the class of 2014. Parents can enjoy a free chair massage after shopping for Fill My Fridge groceries or receiving their preordered refrigerator items. Special diet and wellness information will be available for freshmen. The Sodexo team will also provide a cooling station complete with wading pools. At Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., a display tent will be available for parents to peruse the favorite snacks and beverages of their first-year students. Fill My Fridge events will take place across the country in the coming weeks.
About Sodexo
Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $12 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at blogs.sodexoUSA.com.
Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions
Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo is the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo’s 380,000 employees, in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled range of On-site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates and to the fulfillment of its employees.
Key Figures (as of August 31, 2009)
Sodexo in the World
14.7 billion euro consolidated revenue
380,000 employees
33,900 sites
50 million consumers served daily
80 countries
22
Sodexo in North America
7.7 billion dollarsrevenue
120,000 employees
10 million consumers served daily
6,000 clients
700 facilities management sites
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(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) SANTA MONICA, CA - July 28, 2010 - With today’s kids being called the “least physically active” generation to date, KooDooZ Corporation and O2 MAX Fitness, Inc. are asking families to take ownership of the childhood obesity epidemic with their participation in the third annual Tour de Fitness (TDF).
Presented by Accusplit and hosted by Nickelodeon’s Victorious starlet, Daniella Monet, TDF is an interactive city-walk which serves to educate participants on the many actions they can take to be healthy, fit and well. “Daniella is a welcome addition to this event,” said Karen Jashinsky, founder of O2 MAX Fitness. “Her participation will reinforce how important bringing innovative hands-on nutrition and fitness curriculum is to young children.” Daniella recently volunteered at the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Teaching Garden event for a day of service to teach students how a few small changes in diet and exercise can make life-saving differences.
“We are equally excited to announce the partnership with The City of Santa Monica’s Buy Local program, the Bayside District and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce,” said Lee Fox, founder of KooDooZ, a cause-based social networking site for kids. “Community partnerships are so important especially when you’re asking families to adopt positive behavioral and social change.” This year’s Tour De Fitness is part of a Passport to Wellness designed to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of choosing local first.
“Our Santa Monica businesses have always recognized the importance of being strong community partners,” said Laurel Rosen, President and CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. "It's what makes them unique."
“KooDooZ and O2 MAX Fitness has a far deeper mission than just focusing on health and wellness in the traditional sense,” added Jennifer Taylor, Senior Development Analyst for the City of Santa Monica’s Economic Development Department and member of the Buy Local Steering Committee. “It was their commitment to nurturing community pride and promoting a sustainable community that impressed the Buy Local Santa Monica Committee. Tour de Fitness and the broader Passport to Wellness program give our local businesses an opportunity to be involved in great causes.”
On August 14
TDF registration is required: www.bit.ly/tdf10
Not local to Southern California? KooDooZ offers an online tool-kit for families to plan their own community Tour De Fitness event.
About Tour De Fitness:
Tour de Fitness began as a local guerilla marketing campaign to raise awareness on youth fitness. Tour de Fitness has received several awards and recognitions to date: Best Guerilla Marketing Tactic by USC, a presenter at the annual IDEA Fitness convention, as well as a nomination for the best event from the Governor’s Fitness Council. TDF has grown to include the community and business at large as a community rallies to spread the importance of youth fitness.
About KooDooZ® Corporation:
KooDooZ ("Kü - Düz") is a "cause-based" social networking site designed to cultivate youth social entrepreneurs by “challenging” them to achieve specific philanthropic goals. In partnership with nonprofits, educators and profit-for-purpose organizations, each challenge is authored with easy-to-follow methodologies and anticipated times to complete. By sharing these challenges with friends and family, kids can virally garner support for the causes they care about most and earn credit towards the President’s Volunteer Service Award for those tasks that meet volunteerism, community service and service learning standards. For more information, visit www.KooDooZ.com
About O2 MAX Fitness Incorporated:
O2 MAX Fitness is a youth fitness & media company offering personalized fitness programs tailored around life events and transitions like prom and college. Programs include MAX U (for college students), MAX HIGH (for high school students), MAX Studio (for those close to the Santa Monica studio), MAX Family (for the entire family, ages 2 and above) and MAX Racing (for those in training for charity walks, recreational races, 100 mile bike races and competitive triathlons). For more information, please see www.o2maxfitness.com
About Buy Local Santa Monica:
Buy Local Santa Monica was created by representatives of the Santa Monica business community and the City of Santa Monica to support local businesses and raise awareness of the community, economic and environmental benefits of choosing local first. With each purchase made close to home or work you make an investment in our local economy, save time, and reduce your carbon footprint. Members include restaurants, clothing stores, and health & fitness businesses. For more information, please see www.buylocalsantamonica.com
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce:
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce advocates and represents business' interests and issues affecting the community. We provide the environment to help our members prosper and succeed through a proactive working partnership with all levels of government and community organizations to achieve a healthy local economy and quality of life. For example, the Chamber plans local events, such as the Santa Monica Cares Health and Fitness Expo. For more information, please see www.smchamber.com
Bayside District:
The Bayside District Corporation (BDC) is a public-private management company that oversees Downtown Santa Monica. It mission is to promote the economic stability, growth and community life within the Bayside District through responsible planning, development, management and coordination of programs, projects and services designed to benefit the community as a whole, which includes the District's business, property owners, visitors and residents. For more information, please see www.thirdstreetpromenade.org
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