REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – Guckenheimer, the national foodservice management company that pioneered restaurant style dining and features innovative nutrition programs in corporate dining, today announced it will be the first company of its kind to utilize the USHFC’s Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL) Certification. Four cafes Guckenheimer manages around the country will be audited and assessed by the USHFC for best nutrition and sustainability practices, and in the process, help define exceptional standards in contract foodservice before the REAL certification program is rolled out nationwide.
“Guckenheimer’s history of innovation and emphasis on health, wellness and sustainable sourcing,makes them an ideal company for piloting the REAL Certification in the contract foodservice environment,” said Lawrence Williams, President of the United States Healthful Food Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving consumer access to healthful, affordable and sustainable food and beverages.
Beginning with four pilot accounts in Boston, San Francisco, Oakland and Omaha, the Guckenheimer managed corporate cafes and standalone establishments will be assessed by REAL credentialed professionals across a range of criteria determined by the USHFC’s Panel of Experts, such as the utilization of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthful cooking and preparationmethods, moderate portion sizes, behavioral components that encourage ‘better for you’ choices’, sustainable practices for food sourcing, and more.
Guckenheimer facilities that meet or exceed the USHFC’s criteria will be the first locations managed by contract foodservice to achieve REAL Certification. By joining the program now, Guckenheimer is continuing to help set the standard for corporate foodservice. The first announcement of REAL certified Guckenheimer locations is anticipated in May.
About Guckenheimer
Founded in the San Francisco Bay Area by two healthcare professionals, Guckenheimer is an onsite specialty foodservice company dedicated to the philosophy that health and productivity at work is achieved through exceptional food and dining experiences. With accounts across 31 states, Guckenheimer features evolved employee health and wellness programs led by registered dieticians, customized menu creations and fresh meals-from-scratch prepared with sustainable and organic ingredients, locally sourced when available. All accounts are led by professional chefs trained in the culinary arts and fine-dining. Visit http://www.guckenheimer.com
About the USHFC and REAL Certification
The United States Healthful Food Council, Inc. (USHFC) was created to increase access to healthful, affordable and sustainable food and beverages. Utilizing a voluntary, consensus-based nutrition and sustainable best practices certification program similar to LEED,the USHFC certifies restaurants and foodservice operators for Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL). http://ushfc.org
Source: United States Healthful Food Council, Inc.