Climate Change Data

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)