Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, has released its annual report evaluating leading U.S. food service companies on their efforts to improve animal welfare and reduce their environmental impact through plant-based menu changes.
Called the Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard, the report features companies that are collectively responsible for serving tens of thousands of meals per day, including at K-12 schools, colleges, universities, corporate offices, sports arenas, public facilities, and more. The scorecard was compiled by surveying companies and collecting information about their sustainability commitments, along with the steps they are taking to achieve these goals.
The following companies all earned A grades:
- Guckenheimer has set a target of 55% plant-based menu offerings by the end of 2025, with plans to reduce animal protein purchases annually by the end of 2027.
- Metz Culinary Management is aiming to offer 50% plant-based meals by the end of 2025 and reduce animal protein purchases by 5% annually through 2027.
- Sodexo USA plans to offer 33% plant-based menus by the end of 2025, 50% plant-based menus on its U.S. Campus segment by the end of 2025, and 50% plant-based menus at The Good Eating Company by the end of 2025, while tracking animal protein purchase reductions annually.
- HHS, LLC. is aiming for 50% plant-based retail dining menus by the end of 2027 and a 25% reduction in animal protein purchases by 2027.
- Fresh Ideas intends to offer 50% plant-based menu entrees by the end of 2025 and reduce animal protein purchases annually through 2025.
- Elior North America has set a target of 50% plant-based entrees in new food programs and promotion developments by the end of 2025, and 30% plant-based entrees by the end of 2025 for the residential dining menus in its higher education segment. Additionally, the company is aiming for 30% plant-based entrees by the end of 2025 for retail dining menus in its healthcare segment, and 30% plant-based entrees by the end of 2025 in its professional dining segment.
“Customers value transparency”
The scorecard evaluates concrete, evidence-backed efforts to reduce food-related emissions, finding that some companies tout ambitious sustainability goals but have not demonstrated meaningful progress. The companies that earned the highest marks are actively expanding their plant-based menu options and reducing overall purchases of animal-based proteins.
Last year’s scorecard recognized a similar group of companies for their progress, with Guckenheimer, Metz Culinary Management, Sodexo USA, and HHS, LLC all scoring highly.
“It’s essential that companies be open about their sustainability goals and the progress they’re making towards meeting them,” said Kate Watts, director of Food Service Innovation at Humane World for Animals. “Customers increasingly value transparency and want to understand which businesses align with their values and which do not. Our report is designed to provide a clear, fact-based view of how food service companies are turning their promises into action.”
