US Foods Encourages Sustainable Practices at National Food & Nutrition Conference

ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - Sep 27, 2011) - Today, US Foods Senior Vice President of Food Safety & Quality Assurance Jorge Hernandez and Director of Health Systems Don Tapper will present "Sustainability: Implications for the Health Care RD" at the American Dietetic Association's annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo at the San Diego Convention Center. More than 6,000 registered dietitians, nutrition science researchers, policy makers, health care providers and industry leaders are expected to attend the annual meeting, which will feature research and educational presentations, lectures, debates, panel discussions and culinary demonstrations.

Hernandez and Tapper will define the concept of sustainability, differentiate between "sustainable" and "green" and discuss the challenges many face when trying to improve their organization's sustainability profile. The presenters will help food industry professionals identify the best strategies for implementing programs that improve the environmental, social and economic sustainability of organizations.

"One of the biggest challenges faced by those implementing sustainability programs is over-committing," said Hernandez. "We encourage our customers to strive for goals, but to be careful to ensure that the tactics can be financially supported on a long-term basis. We help our customers avoid these types of common mistakes in order to meet and exceed their sustainability goals."

Attendees will learn from case studies of three US Foods customers who have successfully applied sustainable practices to their business. Guidance for developing a sustainability program action plan and estimated costs to implement a program will also be provided.

For more information, visit the event's website at: http://fnce.eatright.org/fnce/SessionDetails.aspx?SessionID=14142.

About US Foods
With nearly $19 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America, and a leading foodservice distributor. Many of the entities that make up US Foods were founded in the 19th century, including one that sold provisions to travelers heading west during the 1850s gold rush. The company had used the name U.S. Foodservice since 1993. US Foods offers more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality "exclusive brand" items, ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide, and provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com