ARAMARK and Trent University Celebrate Local Food Day

Expanded Sustainable Food Platform Supports Well-Being of Students, Animals, and the Local Economy

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - During Canada's National Organic Week (September 21-28), ARAMARK Canada and Trent University celebrated Local Food Day with a new partner and organic offerings. In partnership with Yorkshire Valley Farms -- a local Peterborough-based producer of organic free range poultry -- students, faculty and staff were recently treated to a sustainable feast in the Peter Robinson Dining Hall. The event, which was also attended by Yorkshire Valley Farms, was designed to showcase sustainable foods and their role in supporting consumer health, animal welfare and the local economy.

"Yorkshire Valley Farms is a Peterborough County success story, where innovative, family farmers have come together to capture the growing market for Certified Organic chicken," said Jamey Coughlin, Business Development Lead, Agriculture and Rural for the Peterborough Economic Development. "We applaud ARAMARK's work to include sustainable and local products on the menu and look forward to creating more opportunities for local producers."

James Sculthorpe, President of Yorkshire Valley Farms, said he was very excited to partner with ARAMARK to provide Trent University with locally raised organic chicken. "In a time when words often trump actions, it is very encouraging to see a centre of excellence like Trent University taking active steps to promote their values of leadership and social change," he added.

"ARAMARK is proud to expand our locally produced options, helping to support our farmers and the local community," said Richard Brown, District Manager, ARAMARK Canada at Trent University. "We are thankful for the partnership with the University, Yorkshire Valley Farms and Peterborough Economic Development. Through these types of initiatives we are working collaboratively to help build better menus and food systems for a better tomorrow."

ARAMARK Canada has been sourcing, serving and celebrating local food days on the Trent University campus for many years. The company is committed to providing foods that are produced and procured in an ecologically, environmentally and socially responsible manner, and are partnering with many different growers, producers, suppliers and distributors to increase the availability of sustainable foods across all of the campuses it serves.

"We are very excited about this initiative, and are already working to expand our partnership with Yorkshire Valley and other local and sustainably focused producers to help meet evolving client and customer needs, support our communities, improve animal welfare, and protect our planet for generations to come," said Tina Horsley, Director of Wellness & Sustainability, ARAMARK Canada.

Media Contact and for more information please contact: Tina Horsley, 416-998-1494

SOURCE: ARAMARK Canada