Gordon Food Service®
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainable Operations
- Responsible Sourcing
- Empowering People
- Supporting Community
Environmental Achievements
- Recycled 19,000+ tons of pallets in the U.S.
- Recycled 3,400+ tires in the U.S.
- Donated 550,000+ cases of food to organizations and communities
- Completed 14 store remodels with energy efficiency upgrades (LED lights, high-efficiency refrigeration)
- Started the process to introduce solar energy at a distribution center
- Continued load and route optimization to reduce emissions
- Planning for electric vehicles (tractors, switchers, straight trucks) and a refrigerated van pilot project with Ford
Social Achievements
- 700+ diverse supplier partnerships (+29% increase over 2021)
- $625+ million spent with North American diverse-owned suppliers (+12% increase since 2021)
- Launched Goodfinds by Gordon program to highlight sustainable food solutions
- Launched Markon Local program to source local produce
- Created Clear Choice program for product transparency
- Partnered with Food Foundry to promote food innovation
- Partnered with Square Roots to source locally grown produce
- Partnered with Thrive Farmers to support coffee and tea farmers
- Partnered with Intercity Packers Meat & Seafood for CRSB Certified beef
- Fresh Start Foods' waste reduction initiatives (organic waste to animal feed, recycling, zero-waste facility)
- Donated $150K+ to support people in need
- Supported Habitat for Humanity with over 370 volunteers and 2,500 volunteer hours (U.S.)
- Partnered with Habitat for Humanity in Canada since 2011, sponsoring 19 homes and contributing to additional builds
- Partnered with Feeding America, providing 3.9 million meals and 4.7 million pounds of food
- Supported United Way through employee donations and company matching funds
- Florida Internship Program with Bethune Cookman University
- Driver Training Academy in British Columbia
- Registered training providers through FMCSA in the U.S.
Governance Achievements
- Updated Competency Model with focus on leadership, culture, results, and decision-making
- Developed Upgrowth Collective in Canada to enhance social wellness, development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Awarded funds for employees to attend Women’s Foodservice Forum events
- DEI Action Teams throughout the footprint
- Partnership with HBCUs
- Commemorated Orange Shirt Day
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions
- Worker shortages
Mitigation Strategies
- Driver Training Academy
- Registered training providers through FMCSA
- Proactive approach to food safety and traceability
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Diverse supplier partnerships
- Clear Choice program
- Markon Local program
- NearBuy database
- Partnerships with Square Roots, Thrive Farmers, Intercity Packers
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Opportunities
- Solar energy
- Electric vehicles
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Re.Source™ packaging
- Goodfinds by Gordon products
- Square Roots produce
- Thrive Farmers coffee, tea, honey
Awards & Recognition
- One of 2022 Best Places to Work (Gordon Food Service Canada)
- Forbes magazine among Canada’s best employers (Gordon Food Service Canada)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory
- Waste Diversion and Reduction
- Product Transparency: Data Quality and Reporting
- Responsible Sourcing
- Supporting Community
- Sustainable Operations
- Empowering People
Environmental Achievements
- Recycled 36,000+ tons of pallets in the U.S.
- Recycled 3,500+ tires in the U.S.
- Donated 480,000+ cases of food to organizations and communities
- Springfield, Ohio solar array went live in January 2024
- Completed eight store remodels with energy-efficient upgrades (LED lights, high-efficiency fans)
- Deployed nightshade curtains over open-air coolers to control temperatures and use less energy
- 4,500 pieces of equipment remanufactured to extend lifespan
- Rolled out electric vehicles in Ypsilanti and Grand Rapids, Michigan, driving 1,612 miles
Social Achievements
- Enhanced food safety education with software
- Implemented a Food Safety Culture campaign
- Standardized recall applications for consistency across US and Canada
- Partnered with Feeding America to address hunger
- Worked with Habitat for Humanity, with over 250 volunteers contributing 1,600 volunteer hours
- Supported 4 Women Build events with Habitat for Humanity in Canada
- Partnered with United Way for over 20 years
- Donated over 90,000 pounds of food following food shows
- Partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop student opportunities
- Offered 50 scholarships to the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Annual Leadership Development Conference
- Developed Upgrowth Collective in Canada to enhance social wellness, encourage development, and promote DEI
- Kindred Program facilitates job placements for new Americans
- Vendor Involvement Process (VIP) program celebrates outstanding efforts and partnerships with diverse suppliers
- Women in Trucking mentor program supports women in transportation
- 2,435 drivers completed Truckers Against Trafficking training
Governance Achievements
- Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) team maintains high product consistency, safety, and quality standards
- Continuous improvement in identifying food safety concerns
- Compliance with FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Traceability Rule
- Clear Choice® program provides transparency on product attributes
- Food Foundry program supports innovative food businesses
- NearBuy program provides data on local product sourcing
- Diverse supplier partnerships (900+ in US, 20,000+ items available)
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Minimizing environmental impact of distribution, stores, and transportation
- Ensuring food safety and quality
- Providing product transparency to customers
- Supporting local communities and addressing hunger
- Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Maintaining a safe workplace environment
Mitigation Strategies
- Utilizing solar power and prioritizing energy efficiency
- Recycling, donating, and minimizing waste
- Implementing food safety training and audits
- Standardizing recall applications
- Partnering with community organizations
- Investing in employee development and DEI initiatives
- Implementing safety protocols and training programs
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Clear Choice® program
- NearBuy program
- Diverse supplier partnerships
- Support for local and sustainable producers
- Seafood traceability certifications (ASC, BAP, MSC)
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Opportunities
- Solar energy solutions
- Energy efficiency improvements
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Re.Source™ packaging
- Goodfinds by Gordon products
- Markon Local produce
- Mosaic Coffee
- Square Roots produce
Awards & Recognition
- Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers 2024 (4th year in a row)