2020 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT - Ed Montes, US Foods Lift Operator Bensenville, IL, Distribution Facility
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2020 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT Ed Montes, US Foods Lift Operator Bensenville, IL, Distribution Facility
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO 3
OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 4
ABOUT US FOODS® 6
CSR AT US FOODS 7
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS 8
PEOPLE 9
PLANET 23
PRODUCTS 29
CSR INDEX 40
< >
3 A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Dear Stakeholders,
PLANET
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requires By applying a continuous improvement mindset to
organizations do more than care about issues our sustainability efforts, we consistently identify
that affect our world — they must take meaningful opportunities across our business to improve fleet
action to make the world a better place. Although efficiency and reduce energy use. In 2020, we
2020 presented many challenges, it also provided continued to leverage compressed natural gas (CNG)
us with opportunities to make positive strides vehicles in our fleet and participated in an electric
against our CSR commitments. truck pilot. We generated 13 million kilowatt hours in
In this, our second expanded CSR Report, electricity from our solar installations and improved
you will have the opportunity to review the waste reduction efforts in our facilities through both
momentum we are creating across our three key recycling and product donation initiatives.
CSR pillars: People, Planet and Products. While
there is more work to be done, we are proud of PRODUCTS
the progress we have made. In 2020, we expanded our Serve Good® portfolio to
more than 900 items that are responsibly sourced or
PEOPLE contribute to waste reduction and also meet strict
We are committed to making a positive packaging standards. In addition, we reached our
difference in the lives of our associates and 2020 Responsibly Sourced Seafood commitment,
in the communities we serve. In 2020, this and today, 100% of the products in our Harbor Banks®
meant protecting our associates through seafood portfolio — the largest US Foods® portfolio
comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols. of Exclusive Brand seafood products — now meet
We also continued our commitment to diversity either Progress Check® or Serve Good standards.
and inclusion by expanding our Employee While we faced many challenges in 2020, our
Resource Groups; and in June, more than 1,000 associates and customers demonstrated a
associates participated in an Allyship and resilience and determination that inspired us all.
Anti-Racism Workshop. In our communities, We look to the future with optimism and a
we donated approximately $43 million of food continued commitment to the important work
and supplies to charitable organizations to help of corporate social responsibility.
those facing hunger.
Pietro Satriano
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
4 OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS MAKE IT
OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 COVID-19 significantly disrupted the business
While the COVID-19 pandemic created
operations of our restaurant, hospitality and
unprecedented challenges for our industry
education customers. In response to these
in 2020, it also enabled us to leverage our
challenges, we quickly provided new tools and
strengths to support our associates,
resources specifically designed to help them
customers and communities in meaningful
adapt to changes in the industry.
and innovative ways.
In March 2020, we launched our “Make It Now”
PRIORITIZING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY resource hub, a new platform offering free
OF OUR ASSOCIATES AND CUSTOMERS webinars, virtual one-on-one consultations with
Throughout the pandemic, the health and our Restaurant Operations Consultants and
safety of our associates, customers and Food Fanatics® Chefs, and a library of support
communities has remained our top priority. materials on topics such as how to navigate the
Early in 2020, we mobilized a cross-functional CARES Act and access financial resources. The
team dedicated to leading our ongoing hub also contains best practices for calculating
COVID-19 response efforts. The response cash flow, ramping up takeout and delivery
team continues to closely monitor the evolving operations and creating engaging social media
pandemic and develop action plans to meet content to stay connected with customers
both associate and customer needs. Drawing during the pandemic.
upon many resources, including the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Our ‘We Help You Make It®’ approach
and relevant federal, state and local public has always been about helping
health agencies, the team makes informed, operators succeed — and never has that
fact-based decisions.
been more important than it is today.
To learn more about our COVID-19 safety
I’ve heard many customers say our
efforts, we invite you to visit page 18 of
this report. tagline is more than just a tagline
during these times; it’s a lifeline.”
Jim Osborne,
Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy
and Innovation at US Foods®
5 OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
To further supplement these resources, we grocers and consumer packaged goods
introduced several playbooks and guides on brands, we created new opportunities for our
the site, including the US Foods® Restaurant distribution workforce and continued to play
Reopening Blueprint and the Operating Safely a vital role in supporting the nation’s food
Guide, dedicated to helping customers reopen supply by selling much-needed products to
and recover safely. Other resources include retailers across the country as they struggled
the US Foods Ghost Kitchen Playbook, which to maintain inventory.
is designed to guide operators through the
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES IN NEED
process of adding a new, delivery-only revenue
Given the impacts of COVID-19, many food
stream to their operations.
banks struggled to meet the increasing needs
As our customers continue to modify their of their communities as more Americans
business models in response to the pandemic, required support. Throughout 2020, we
we have leveraged our product innovation donated approximately $43 million of food and
efforts to support them with special editions supplies for local food banks and charitable
of our Scoop™ Magazine, aimed at helping
restaurateurs meet immediate and emerging
organizations across the country.
In addition to ongoing product donations,
US FOODS ®
dining trends, such as off-premise dining.
we collaborated with restaurants across the DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN
Featured products, including individually
portioned and prepackaged items for DIY
country to donate products and logistics 20,000 FREE REOPENING
support to meal-packing events that provided
meal kits, family-style takeout menu items,
much-needed relief to foodservice workers,
KITS TO INDEPENDENT
and tamper-evident packaging and sanitation
items were critical in helping operators as they
first responders and healthcare workers. RESTAURANT OWNERS.
stood up or optimized takeout and delivery We invite you to learn more about our hunger The kits provided must-have supplies,
operations. relief efforts on page 20 of this report. such as masks and safety guidance
LEVERAGING SUPPLY CHAIN RESOURCES posters, as well as resource guides
When the pandemic created a surge of retail to navigate state and local
grocery demand earlier in 2020, we leveraged COVID-19 reopening requirements
our supply chain resources to support the and create a safer environment
retail industry and get food onto shelves faster. for staff and customers.
Through the development of key partnerships
across national grocery store chains, wholesale
6 ABOUT US FOODS®
$22.9B IN REVENUE 26,000 ASSOCIATES
US Foods® (NYSE: USFD) is one of
America’s great food companies and a
150 YEARS
IN BUSINESS 3,000 SALES
ASSOCIATES
leading foodservice distributor, serving
restaurants as well as healthcare, hospitality,
governmental and educational institutions.
Through a broad and innovative food offering
300,000 CUSTOMERS 70 BROADLINE
LOCATIONS
and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce,
technology and business solutions, we
help chefs, restaurants and foodservice 400,000 PRODUCTS 80 CHEF’STORE®
LOCATIONS
operators succeed. Our success is powered
by our talented US Foods associates who
come to work every day with one goal in
mind: to help our customers Make It.
6,000 SUPPLIERS 6,500 TRUCKS
IN OUR FLEET
Visit usfoods.com to learn more.
7 CSR AT US FOODS®
GOVERNING CSR AT US FOODS ABOUT THIS REPORT
CSR AT US FOODS US Foods CSR efforts are managed by a This report reflects our CSR performance
OUR APPROACH TO CORPORATE
cross-functional CSR Working Group that during 2020 unless noted otherwise. As we’ve noted
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
meets regularly, led by our Executive Vice throughout the report, key performance figures
As a leading foodservice distributor, we know
President, General Counsel and Chief may also include the Food Group ofCompanies,
we have an opportunity to positively impact our
Compliance Officer. The Working Group which US Foods acquired in September 2019,
customers, their diners, our associates and the
includes leaders and subject-matter experts and Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores,
communities where we live and work. Our CSR
from areas such as Supply Chain, Real which US Foods acquired in April 2020. Our
platform is organized around our commitment to
Estate, Merchandising, Human Resources CSR disclosures are informed by the reporting
caring for people, protecting the environment and
and Communications. Periodic updates frameworks and recommendations of organizations
providing sustainably sourced products.
on the company’s CSR initiatives and such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and
In this report, we’re pleased to share progress accomplishments are provided to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
highlights for each of our key focus areas: People, Nominating and Corporate Governance An index of these disclosures can be found in the
Planet and Products. We also report environmental Committee of our Board of Directors, which appendix of this report. In 2019, we published our
data through CDP and respond to numerous oversees the progress of these efforts. first formal CSR Report and we expect to continue
investor, customer, vendor and third-party to publish CSR reports annually.
disclosure requests. Information regarding our
efforts and our most recent CDP response can
be found at usfoods.com/csr.
8 REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
2020 CSR REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
PEOPLE PLANET PRODUCTS
~$43M IN FOOD AND
SUPPLIES DONATED 6.9% REDUCTION SINCE 2015
IN GALLONS OF FUEL
USED PER CASE DELIVERED2,3
900+ SERVE GOOD® AND
PROGRESS CHECK® PRODUCTS
$1B+ SPENT
WITH
SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE U.S.1
1,800+ 7.3% REDUCTION IN
SCOPE 1 AND SCOPE 2 270+ RESPONSIBLE
DISPOSABLES PRODUCTS
EMISSIONS SINCE 20153,4,5
$385M SPENT
WITH 435+ 13M KWH OF ELECTRICITY
GENERATED FROM 6 100% OF HARBOR BANKS®
SEAFOOD PRODUCTS MEET
DIVERSE SUPPLIERS1
SOLAR INSTALLATIONS EACH YEAR PROGRESS CHECK OR SERVE GOOD STANDARDS
$650K IN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING
OFFERED SINCE 2017 1M+ SQUARE FEET OF LEED-
CERTIFIED BUILDINGS
100% OF PALM OIL
USED IN OUR EXCLUSIVE BRANDS
IS CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE
~1,000 WOMEN HAVE PARTICIPATED
IN WFF SINCE 2010 200M KWH CUMULATIVE ENERGY
SAVINGS SINCE 2015
200 LEADERS ARE TRAINED TO FACILITATE
ALLYSHIP AND ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOPS 54 CNG TRUCKS EMIT 22–29% FEWER
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
1,000+ EXCLUSIVE BRAND
PRODUCTS MEET OUR
UNPRONOUNCEABLES LIST™ INITIATIVE
Figures include trade and indirect spend with Tier I suppliers. 2Broadline business only. 3Includes the Food Group of Companies, acquired in September 2019, and reflects transportation inefficiencies with reduced volumes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
1
Emissions intensity measured as pounds of CO2e per case delivered. 5Includes Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores, acquired in April 2020.
4
PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS PEOPLE At US Foods®, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and in the communities we serve. This means making associate health and safety a top priority and creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace where our associates can grow and thrive. It also includes our commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism activities that help strengthen our local communities.
10 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
“Our Cultural Beliefs guide how we live
CREATING AN INCLUSIVE
and lead at US Foods and are vital in
AND DYNAMIC WORKPLACE ensuring that our team is positioned
OUR CULTURAL BELIEFS
for success. Doing our best for our
At US Foods®, we continually strive to be and
do our best so we can help our customers, customers, communities and each other
associates and communities Make It. The means consistently bringing our Cultural
foundation of these efforts is our Cultural Beliefs to life in everything we do.”
Beliefs, which guide how we interact with each
other and our customers: David Works,
• Expect Excellence: I challenge myself Executive Vice President,
and others to delight customers every time Chief Human Resources Officer
• Stop Waste: I take action every day to
eliminate waste
• Team Up: I engage the right people, in the SPOTLIGHT ON
right way, at the right time OUR CULTURE
OUR CULTURAL BELIEFS IN ACTION
• Talk Straight: I seek the truth and exchange EXPECT STOP As we navigate ongoing COVID-19 challenges,
objective feedback EXCELLENCE WASTE taking care of our associates and our
I challenge myself and others I take action every day
to delight customers every time communities continues to be a top priority for
• You Matter: I care for my co-workers, enable
to eliminate waste
all of us at US Foods. You Matter, one of our
success, and make winning fun
Cultural Beliefs, reinforces our ongoing
YOU commitment to taking care of each other.
Our Cultural Beliefs are woven into our training,
MATTER US Foods Human Resource Business Partner,
I care for my co-workers,
Kay Phillips-Shepard demonstrated this belief
development and talent programs and serve as enable their success,
and make winning fun in action during the rollout of our COVID-19
a key part of how we work together to deliver
safety protocols. In addition to conducting at-
on our promise to customers.
work safety protocol training and support, Kay
TEAM TALK personally reached out to associates to discuss
UP STRAIGHT their unique living and family circumstances
I engage the right people, I seek the truth and exchange
in the right way, at the right time objective feedback and ways they could adopt COVID-19 safety
practices inside and outside the home. The
associates were appreciative of this extra
support and how Kay clearly demonstrated how
much they matter and how much she cares.11 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Other training and development programs • Sales Readiness: Provides new Selling
Investing in our people is critical to our include: Associates with tools, resources and peer
success. Through training, mentoring and networking to help them succeed
•E
-Cademy: Provides associates with online
on-the-job development, we enable our
learning resources to develop a variety of • Selector Onboarding: Prepares Warehouse
associates to learn and grow. Our development
skills that align with the US Foods® business Selectors to be successful through training
programming is dedicated to supporting
strategy and Cultural Beliefs on safety, accuracy and performance
associates at all levels of our organization so
standards
they can reach their full potential. •D
isrupting Bias Training: Enables associates
to identify implicit biases, understand • Leadership Foundations: Helps Sales
Gateway to Leadership, for new people
their impact and eliminate discriminatory Managers and Supply Chain Supervisors
managers, and Aspire to Lead and Aspire to
behaviors for the betterment of the company and Managers effectively lead and grow
Grow, for high-potential leaders, are among
their teams
our signature development programs built to •S
afety Leadership Training: Promotes a
strengthen leadership capabilities and provide safety mindset among Operations Leaders
networking opportunities with leaders across and Managers
the organization.
SPOTLIGHT ON
VIRTUAL TRAINING RESOURCES
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in 2020 we
reimagined many of our training programs to
help associates continue to learn and grow
6,000+ ASSOCIATES
ACCESSED ONLINE
TRAINING RESOURCES IN 2020
virtually. This included moving several of our
signature programs to remote learning
formats and rolling out additional training
resources to support associates working
from home. Our new Associate Resource
Hub features an online library of tools and
content for navigating the remote work
environment, including communication
guides for virtual teams, technology training,
virtual leadership webinars and more.12 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
ASSOCIATE ENGAGEMENT SURVEYS • Counseling to help with stress and anxiety
Through our Associate Engagement Survey and
• Maternity and family benefits to support the
Pulse survey programs, we invite our associates
entire parenthood journey, including adoption
to provide important feedback that allows us to
assistance
implement positive changes across our company.
These surveys, along with regular associate • Child and elder care management services
roundtables, help us continually improve how we • Financial management and will preparation
demonstrate our Cultural Beliefs and support
other focus areas such as safety, manager • Healthcare support services such as virtual
effectiveness and customer service. visits, expert assistance getting a second SPOTLIGHT ON US FOODS® CARES
opinion, support choosing the top surgeons The US Foods Company Assistance for
and hospitals across the country and healthcare Relief in Emergency Situations (CARES)
concierge services
30,000 ASSOCIATE
SURVEY
RESPONSES SUBMITTED IN 2020
We also provide paid time off programs, an
employee assistance program, an employee
Fund was established to help our associates
recover from natural disasters that could not
be anticipated or prevented. The program
stock purchase plan and tuition reimbursement. provides financial grants of up to $5,000 to
In 2020, we introduced a new parental leave qualifying full-time and part-time US Foods
ASSOCIATE BENEFITS policy, which provides all eligible associates, associates as determined by the CARES
We are committed to providing compensation regardless of gender, two weeks of paid parental Approval Committee.
and benefits that respect and reward our leave when welcoming a new child.
associates for their dedication and hard work. “When we were unexpectedly forced to
Our health and wellness benefits are designed evacuate our home in the middle of night,
to provide flexible options to fit every stage of an
associate’s career. Our comprehensive benefits 85% OF US FOODS® ASSOCIATES
ENROLLED IN BENEFITS due to the California CZU Lightning Complex
Fire, the US Foods CARES program was
program includes a variety of medical and dental
plans, plus voluntary benefits like vision or critical ENHANCED COVID-19 BENEFITS there. During our three-week displacement,
illness protection. We also provide tools and To support our associates during COVID-19, the program helped us fund temporary
resources to help our associates make informed we offer additional benefits, such as enhanced
healthcare decisions.
housing for both my family and our animals,
leave policies for an associate who is ill with
COVID-19 or taking care of a loved one with
as well as other critical expenses. In the
We are proud to offer innovative, no-cost
wellness programs focused on helping COVID-19 at home. In addition, we offer free face of so much uncertainty and stress,
associates with healthcare challenges, including: COVID-19 testing for associates in qualified the US Foods CARES program was truly
situations to facilitate a safe return to work.
• Diabetes, weight loss, smoking cessation and the lifeline we needed.”
sleep management services Lynette Mezera,
• Back and knee pain reduction US Foods Account Executive13 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE TRAINING
ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE A key component of our ethics and compliance
ALL OF OUR ASSOCIATES RECEIVE
ANNUAL CODE OF CONDUCT
At US Foods®, we are committed to working program is associate training. All US Foods AWARENESS TRAINING
with integrity as we engage with each other associates receive annual Code of Conduct
and our partners. The cornerstone of this training and specialized training based on the REPORTING A CONCERN
commitment is our Code of Conduct, a public nature of their duties and responsibilities. For At US Foods, we have established a variety
affirmation that we are committed to doing the example, all US Foods associates working in of resources if an associate needs support
right thing. The Code of Conduct is grounded in supply chain, shared services and information or would like to report a concern. Associates
our Cultural Beliefs and the understanding that technology at our distribution centers are may report anonymously, if they choose,
each of us plays an important role in operating required to complete a Human Trafficking through the US Foods Check-In Line. This
with honesty and integrity. course that has been designed to help them hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days
better understand the issues of forced labor a week, with translation services if needed.
This Code of Conduct sets out expectations Associates are able to anonymously report a
and create awareness of their responsibility to
for how we work with each other and with concern by phone (888-310-7716), through
US Foods and society more broadly as it relates
customers, suppliers, communities and the internet at usfoodcheckinline.com or by
to human trafficking concerns. This training
government officials. It also reinforces the email to compliance@usfoods.com. In addition,
also informs associates about what options are
importance of ethical decision-making, associates may always raise concerns with
available to them to help keep our operations
speaking up through the US Foods Check-In their manager, any other US Foods manager,
and supply chain free from these risks. In
Line and our commitment to a respectful and Human Resources or any member of the
addition, our ethics and training program has
inclusive workplace. US Foods Law Department. As part of our
been designed to reinforce our commitment to
To reinforce our commitment to a strong ethics diversity and inclusion and building a respectful no-retaliation policy, there will be no retaliation
and compliance program, we have adopted workplace. against anyone who raises questions or
several other policies that provide guidance concerns in good faith.
and resources to our associates and set out
the standards that we expect our vendors and
suppliers to follow. These policies include:
• Anti-Corruption Policy
• Conflicts of Interest Policy
• Equal Employment and Affirmative Action
Policy
• Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment
and Retaliation Policy
• Responsible Sourcing Policy and Supplier Code14 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
of US Foods executive leaders responsible for INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
EMBRACING DIVERSITY the oversight of our initiatives. The first area of focus in our strategy is
AND INCLUSION OUR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STRATEGY
creating a more inclusive work environment.
At US Foods®, we believe that success and Our success relies upon a diverse and
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is
innovation are only achieved when all voices dynamic workplace that fosters an equitable
grounded in three strategic areas of focus
and perspectives are heard and valued. environment where all associates can grow and
through which we continue to work toward a
We perform at our best by connecting with thrive. In 2018, we introduced an interactive
more equitable future:
associates, customers and communities Respectful Workplace training for associates
1. Creating a more inclusive work as part of our effort to promote respectful
in ways that embrace diversity of all kinds,
environment where everyone feels safe and communication and foster greater inclusion.
including diversity of race, ethnicity, culture,
valued and their voices matter
gender identity, age, sex, disability and Employee Resource Groups
experience. As a company, we are committed to 2. Increasing the diversity of our workforce US Foods company-sponsored Employee
fostering an environment that is engaging and and leaders by investing in programs to build Resource Groups (ERGs) are associate-led
inclusive, developing diverse talent at all career a diverse talent pipeline and accelerate the groups that strengthen networking among
levels and offering products and consultative development of diverse associates colleagues, further personal and professional
services to support business growth in diverse development and promote diversity and inclusion.
3. S
upporting diverse communities and
communities. These efforts are overseen by
businesses by enhancing our outreach and
our D&I Leadership Advisory Board, comprised
sharing who we are and what we stand for
SPOTLIGHT ON
DISRUPTING BIAS TRAINING
US Foods’ Disrupting Bias Training provides
a common framework for recognizing and
93% OF SENIOR
LEADERS
COMPLETED DISRUPTING
addressing bias in the workplace, with a focus BIAS TRAINING IN 2020
on reaching associates across all levels and
functions of the business. Launched in 2020,
the training engages participants through five
stages of interactive programming focused on
exploring where biases originate and how they
impact our interactions and decision-making.
As part of the program, participants walk away
equipped with strategies for identifying and
disrupting bias in key situations and ensuring
our work environment is welcoming for all.15 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
Ongoing listening sessions between ERGs Over the past several years, we have been working
and our Executive Leadership Team allow for to increase the diversity of our director-level
open dialogue and the identification of new and above leadership roles through accelerated
opportunities to bolster our diversity and development programs for diverse associates and
inclusion strategy roadmap. expanded external recruiting partnerships to reach
more diverse candidates. We have also enhanced
In 2020, we expanded the ERG program from
our hiring process to require diverse candidate
our corporate offices to all US Foods® locations
slates for leadership roles and introduced
across the country, enabling participation from
unconscious bias training for leaders. Moving
our field and frontline associates. Today, we
forward, our goal is to fill 40% of our new or open
continue to grow the impact and engagement
leadership roles with diverse candidates.
of our eight ERGs, which include:
SPOTLIGHT ON ALLYSHIP
• Black Resource Utilization Hub
AND ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP
• Collective Asian Network In 2019, US Foods signed the
In June 2020, the US Foods Pride Alliance
Chicago Network’s Equity Pledge
• Hispanic and Latino ERG and Black Resource Utilization Hub ERGs
for companies that commit to identify, invest
• LINK-UP – Linking Information, Networks teamed up to host a virtual, companywide
in and evaluate their progress on advancing
and Knowledge Allyship and Anti-Racism Workshop to help
gender equity in the workplace.
associates navigate conversations around
• Pride Alliance
racism, understand different perspectives
• Those Who Serve – Military ERG and experiences through storytelling from
Learning and Development
• Women in Network leaders and discuss ways to act as an ally
We embed inclusive leadership skills into our
both in and outside of the workplace. To
• Young Professionals ERG signature leadership development programs,
further promote this dialogue, US Foods
including Gateway to Leadership for new people
trained 200 leaders to facilitate their own
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY managers and Aspire to Grow and Aspire to Lead
Allyship and Anti-Racism workshops for
Recruiting and Supporting Diverse Talent for high-potential leaders.
corporate and frontline associates at the
A key pillar of our diversity and inclusion strategy Our Learning Partners program, launched local level, including drivers and selectors.
is our commitment to increasing the diversity of in 2019, matches diverse, high-potential
our workforce and leaders. US Foods leaders with senior leaders to facilitate “It is refreshing to work for a
As of January 2021, 51% of our associates one-on-one, two-way learning and help prepare
diverse leaders for greater responsibility.
company that plays an active role
are women or people of color and 32% of our
director-level and above leaders are women in promoting equality.”
or people of color.
Scott Farthing,
US Foods IT Specialist16 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Supporting Communities
WFF provides the research, insights and best We support food banks and other related
practices to help food companies address nonprofits through product and financial
the pressing need for talent and increased contributions with the aim of reaching
business performance by realizing the full underserved populations in need across
potential of female leaders. US Foods is our entire US Foods footprint. In 2020, we
proud to be a long-standing sponsor of the made significant donations of product to
WFF Leadership Conference, contributing charitable organizations, including 125,000
annually to the success of this initiative. pounds of food to help the Greater Chicago
Although the 2020 Leadership Conference Food Depository bring pop-up food pantries
was canceled due to COVID-19, we conducted to communities of color on Chicago’s
our own internal panels, seminars and ongoing South and West Sides, which have been
professional development opportunities for disproportionately affected by COVID-19
WFF participants throughout the year. and civil unrest.
In addition, our US Foods Scholars program
seeks to support the pipeline of diverse talent
SPOTLIGHT ON
~1,000 US FOODS WOMEN
HAVE PARTICIPATED
IN WFF SINCE 2010
entering the restaurant industry by providing
financial support and professional development
opportunities to outstanding underserved
KATHRYN GARAVENTA,
students pursuing culinary careers. Since the
2020 WFF CHANGE MAKER
SUPPORTING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES program launched in 2017, we have provided
AWARD RECIPIENT
AND BUSINESSES over $650,000 in scholarship funding to
Kathryn joined US Foods® in 2011 and As a company, we hope to contribute to a more alleviate financial barriers to our industry and
currently supports sales effectiveness. equitable and inclusive future through the way help the next generation of diverse culinarians
She is a member of US Foods’ Women In we contribute to our local communities and reach their full potential. Today, more than 90%
Network Employee Resource Group and do business. By increasing the diversity of our of our US Foods Scholars are diverse.
leads a mentorship circle of 10 women from suppliers and enhancing our product offerings,
various backgrounds and roles within the To learn more about our community giving
we are supporting economic growth among
company. She attended her first Women efforts, we invite you to visit page 20 of
multicultural businesses and populations.
in Foodservice Forum event in 2017 and this report.
was inspired to create a US Foods women’s Additionally, our outreach to diverse
leadership conference for independent communities allows us to make a meaningful
restaurant operators, owners and chefs in difference in the lives of others, reaching
her home market. beyond our workplace to support the
underserved.17 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
Supplier Diversity network through memberships with organizations
$1B+ SPENT
WITH 1,800+ We strive to source our products from a
competitive and diverse supplier base. These
like the National Minority Supplier Development
Council and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce
SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE U.S.*
efforts are driven by a dedicated supplier of Illinois. US Foods is also represented on the
diversity lead who collaborates with subject board of the Food and Beverage Industry Group.
matter experts across the business to develop In 2021, we will add an additional membership
supplier sourcing strategies and secure data to the Women’s Business Development Center
$385M+ SPENT
WITH 435+ to make informed choices. We also maintain
strategic partnerships to support and grow
to continue to build upon our current diverse
supplier database.
SUPPLIERS THAT ARE OWNED AND
our efforts.
OPERATED BY A DIVERSE SPECTRUM US Foods uses a third-party provider to review its
OF PEOPLE, CONSISTING OF WOMEN, This work is enhanced by our US Foods® Supplier supplier diversity data. This supplier is minority-
MINORITIES, VETERANS, LGBT+ AND Diversity Council, a cross-functional team within owned and certified through the National Minority
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES* the organization that works to increase the Supplier Development Council. Data on current
diversity of our supplier base. diversity status for each of US Foods’ vendors is
reviewed semiannually.
Currently, we work with a wide range of diverse
*Figures include trade and indirect spend with Tier 1 suppliers
suppliers and are increasing our diverse supplier
support, inclusion in the NMSDC supplier facilities and operates a fleet of over 100
database, networking support and assistance longline vessels and four tuna seiners.
with RFP/bid distribution.
“We are proud of our partnership with
Most recently, Alfa Gamma Group, a seafood
US Foods and sincerely appreciate their
supplier to US Foods, received a MBE
certification. Alfa was founded by Antonio continued commitment to growing their
SPOTLIGHT ON Alvarez in 1989 when he immigrated with his diverse supplier base.”
family to Florida from their home in Ecuador.
MINORITY BUSINESS Santiago F. Alvarez,
Antonio had been involved in the seafood
ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION CEO - Alfa Gamma Group
business since 1968, when he started with just
Many diverse suppliers we work with have
one vessel, a 50-foot-long converted shrimp
a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
trawler rigged for hand seining sardines for the
certification through the National Minority
fishmeal trade.
Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). This
certification provides diverse suppliers with a Today, Alfa continues to be a family-run business
variety of benefits to help support the growth of based out of Miami that employs more than
their business, such as program development 1,400 seafood professionals in its processing18 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
In addition, we have protocols in place for In keeping with our integrated approach to
ASSOCIATE SAFETY managing COVID-19 cases, including isolating safety, when possible, our team works to
At US Foods®, we are committed to ensuring impacted associates from our facilities, address risk at its root. An example of this
that our associates, customers, business conducting a traceback interview with risk-mitigating strategy is our case weight
partners and the members of the public with associates who have tested positive, notifying reduction initiative, which is aimed at reducing
whom we interact every day are provided with associates and customers with whom they the weight of our heaviest cases of product to
a safe and hazard-free environment. In 2019, came into contact, and conducting enhanced help mitigate physical and ergonomic handling
we launched our Get Home Safe campaign, cleaning procedures. hazards. We also remain committed to culture-
committed to driving an enhanced safety based initiatives, like our Safety Performance
SAFETY IN OUR FACILITIES
culture and deepening associate engagement. Teams, which leverage a Continuous
While prioritizing the immediate challenges
The campaign, which is a touchstone for Improvement mindset to enhance safety efforts
presented by COVID-19 restrictions, US
meaningful conversations about safety, among frontline associates. These teams,
Foods has continued investing in people and
outlines actions aimed at reducing risks and comprised of warehouse and transportation
resources to foster an overall culture of safety
improving safety routines. leaders and associates, help identify safety
in our facilities. Our new safety staffing model,
ENHANCED COVID-19 SAFETY EFFORTS solutions, execute safety routines and monitor
introduced in 2019, has further enabled us to
As we address the ever-evolving needs of metrics to gauge improvement over time.
support a team of professionals focused on
our business due to the pandemic, the health improving safety engagement and performance
and safety of our associates, customers and throughout our field operations.
communities have remained our top priorities.
To support this commitment, we have instituted
a variety of policies and procedures to help
prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include
illness prevention guidelines that require
associates to stay home if they are sick or have
symptoms associated with COVID-19, wellness
checks with temperature screenings before
entering any US Foods facility, requirements for
associates to wear masks and enhanced
hygiene and cleaning procedures in all facilities.
We have also enhanced our work-from-home
policies and introduced guidelines for social
distancing and new, essential employee
protocols designed to limit close contact and
to provide personal protective equipment
(PPE) and cleaning and sanitizing products.19 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
SAFETY IN OUR FLEET transportation safety initiatives, we achieved a
We employ rigorous practices and technology measurable reduction in our vehicle accident
to increase the safety of the more than 6,500 frequency rate in 2020.
drivers who operate our fleet. We partner with
DRIVER SKILLS COURSE
SambaSafety® to continuously monitor our
By leveraging Continuous Improvement (CI)
drivers’ motor vehicle records and employ the
principles, US Foods associates address
Lytx® DriveCam® safety program in all of our
safety needs with greater efficiency and
vehicles to identify safe and coachable driving
share best practices across the network. In
behaviors.
2019, several leaders and associates at our
Throughout 2020, US Foods® continued a distribution center in Seabrook, New Hampshire,
multiyear upgrade of our DriveCam system to spearheaded the development of a driver skills
Lytx ActiveVision®, which will be completed course specifically intended for use by new
in 2021. ActiveVision uses a multi-camera, hires and drivers who have been in accidents
video-event capture function to alert drivers or incidents.
to driving patterns consistent with distracted
While on the course, drivers are accompanied
or drowsy driving. In addition, new trucks are
by trainers who provide real-time coaching
now equipped with the Detroit Assurance®
and feedback to help them hone their
5.0 suite of safety systems. This technology
professional skills in a controlled environment.
enhances safety through Active Brake Assist
The Seabrook team achieved a reduction in
and Adaptive Cruise Control. These features
their accident frequency rate (AFR) following
activate warning or braking action when
the introduction of the course. In 2020, their
necessary and adjust cruising speed to ensure
driver skills course was rolled out to US Foods
a continuous, safe following distance to other
facilities across the country to further develop
vehicles and objects in a vehicle’s path.
our strong, associate-led safety culture built on
SPOTLIGHT ON
To supplement advances in our fleet CI principles.
US FOODS® ELITE DRIVERS
technology, we are continuing to refine our
As part of our “Get Home Safe” campaign,
Driver Safety Program (DSP) for implementation
we recognized more than 190 US Foods elite
across all US Foods markets. We know that
drivers in 2020 who reached 20 or more years
trained and well-equipped drivers are our first
of service with accident-free driving records;
line of defense when it comes to transportation
some even reached over 40 years. Their
safety. The DSP is designed to consistently set
exemplary driving records are a testament
safety expectations for associates who operate
not only to their professional driving skills, but
our vehicles, while providing an accountability
also to their commitment to ensuring they and
model to help them return home safely at the
others can Get Home Safe.
end of each shift. Through the DSP and other20 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
the last year, US Foods® has acted urgently the pandemic to provide immediate relief and
HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES to support food banks and other nonprofits meet increasing demand. Thanks to similar
We are privileged to be able to give back to helping to nourish communities devastated by contributions by our dedicated teams across
the communities in which we live and work the pandemic. the country, US Foods donated a total of
— empowering people with nourishment ~$43 million in fresh, frozen and dry products
In response to the unprecedented demand
and opportunity. As a national foodservice and other supplies throughout 2020 to feed
for food assistance, our teams worked with
distributor, we strive to make a meaningful vulnerable populations.
Feeding America food banks, local partners,
difference by donating our time and resources.
customers and community leaders to donate
Our philanthropy and associate volunteerism
efforts focus on culinary education for
underserved students and hunger relief.
critical food and supplies to those who needed
it most. These donations provided millions of ~24M TOTAL POUNDS
OF FOOD AND
SUPPLIES DONATED IN 2020
meals to feed families struggling with stay-
SUPPORTING COVID-19 RELIEF at-home orders, healthcare workers and
In 2020, COVID-19 led to increased students facing school closures. For example,
THE EQUIVALENT OF
unemployment and greater economic strain
on communities across the country. With many
the US Foods team in Hurricane, West Virginia,
donated 56,000 meals to local school students
~20M HUNGER RELIEF MEALS
OR APPROXIMATELY
750 TRUCKLOADS OF PRODUCT
families struggling to make ends meet, Feeding from 18 schools throughout the county. In
America® estimates the number of Americans Phoenix, Arizona, our team donated more
facing food insecurity to be approximately 50
million, or one in six individuals in the U.S. Over
than $100,000 of protein and produce to
St. Mary’s Food Bank within the first weeks of 60 FEEDING AMERICA
FOOD BANKS SUPPORTED21 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
As a company, we also lent our support to “US Foods’ generous donation has
those in the foodservice industry impacted CASH AND CARRY
helped Feeding America food banks
by the pandemic. The National Restaurant CHARITABLE EFFORTS
provide food to children and families who
Association estimates that nearly 100,000 Each year, Smart Foodservice Warehouses,
restaurants closed either permanently or long- now CHEF’STORE®, hosts a fundraising need it most. We are incredibly thankful
term within the first six months of the pandemic, campaign to fight hunger in local for their commitment to fighting hunger
leaving millions of people out of work. Through communities. In 2020, with the support of and for helping to address the increased
collaborations with restaurants and chefs in customers, this campaign raised $220,000 for need that food banks are seeing in
communities where we operate, we donated local Feeding America Food Bank Partners.
communities across the country.”
products and logistics support to meal packing
events designed to provide much-needed Blake Thompson,
relief to displaced foodservice workers. Chief Supply Chain Officer at
Feeding America
SPOTLIGHT ON
HUNGER RELIEF
PARTNERSHIPS
Through the work of
our local teams across
the country, we have
partnered up with countless
outstanding organizations
and industry leaders to
support those facing
hunger. Here are just a
few of the ways these
partnerships have made a Teamed up with Chef Rick Bayless Partnered with Jon Bon Jovi’s Worked with World Central
difference: of Frontera Grill to support his JBJ Soul Foundation and the JBJ Kitchen, the nonprofit founded
efforts to provide food and income Soul Kitchen Food Bank to service by Chef José Andrés, to aid the
relief for workers impacted by seven food pantries in the East End organization’s Chef Relief Team
restaurant closures in Chicago of Long Island and bolster local in the distribution and delivery of
efforts to combat food insecurity food and supplies across California,
throughout the summer Arkansas and Washington, D.C.22 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
US FOODS® SCHOLARS PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT ON
Launched in 2017, our US Foods® Scholars US FOODS SCHOLARS ALUMNI: MEET ANGEL’O AND BRAN’DE
program addresses two pressing needs: US Foods Scholars aims to position young culinarians for lifelong success in the culinary industry.
providing economic opportunity to Two outstanding program alumni, Angel’o Hill and Bran’De Gilbert, are already on their way,
underserved students and helping to tackle the combining their culinary skills and entrepreneurial spirit to establish their own bakery businesses.
talent shortage facing the foodservice industry.
By supporting the next generation of culinary
talent, we aim to set both our customers and
our scholars up for success in the industry.
The program provides individual awards of up
to $20,000 in financial support and professional
development to outstanding students seeking
to achieve their dreams in the culinary arts. We
work with our partners at the Careers Through Chef Angel’o Hill, Chef Bran’De Gilbert,
Culinary Arts Program, Scholarship America, Owner of Bread-Puddy-Licious Owner of A Taste of B’s Pastries & More
and the American Culinary Federation to Growing up, Chef Angel’o used cooking to unite Chef Bran’De began cooking at the age of three
identify deserving students in Arizona, Atlanta, family and friends, create memories and resolve when her father taught her how to pick and clean
Austin, Chicago, Denver, New York City and conflict between loved ones. Seeing how food greens and then shadowed her parents in the
Raleigh to be named US Foods Scholars. Since brought people together inspired him to attend kitchen for many years. She realized that she wanted
its inception, we have welcomed 33 scholars the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he earned to turn her love for cooking into a career during
to the program, offering more than $650,000 in a degree in culinary arts management, and her sophomore year in high school, following a
scholarship funding. ultimately, pursued a career in the industry. five-week culinary exploratory program. Taking her
passion to the next level, she decided to attend
During his time as a US Foods Scholar, Chef
“Being a US Foods Scholar showed me Kendall College’s School of Culinary Arts in Chicago,
Angel’o served as sous chef at a retirement home
where she pursued a degree in baking and pastry.
that I have the opportunity to be greater where he helped feed hundreds of people every
day and developed an affinity for baking. Following Chef Bran’De credits US Foods Scholars for helping
and succeed. It inspires me to be an that experience, he decided to open his own bread her take steps to achieve her dream of becoming
example for future culinary students.” pudding bakery in Kennesaw, Georgia, Bread- a pastry chef. Today, she is the proud owner of A
Puddy-Licious (BPL). BPL specializes in unique Taste of B’s Pastries & More online bakery, which
Chef Angel’o Hill, flavor combinations and creating a welcoming specializes in serving up delicious, homemade
US Foods Scholars Alum and atmosphere for children and families. In addition treats, including custom cakes. In the future, Chef
Owner of Bread-Puddy-Licious to its focus on quality desserts, BPL also believes Bran’De hopes to own multiple bakeries and pastry
in supporting the community and providing trucks and inspire other young culinarians to pursue
opportunities to build, teach and promote a career in the culinary industry.
leadership training skills and strong work ethic.PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS PLANET We apply a continuous improvement mindset to our sustainability efforts, consistently identifying opportunities across the business to reduce energy use and improve fleet efficiency. By optimizing our building operations, investing in renewable energy and building facilities to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, we’re reducing the energy intensity of our facilities. By improving our routing to reduce miles driven and testing new technology, we’re increasing the efficiency of our fleet.
24 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
Through this initiative, field teams receive CE That’s the equivalent of:
REDUCING ENERGY INTENSITY energy efficiency training and participate in
Removing approximately 30,000 passenger
IN OUR FACILITIES facility tuneups, which provide opportunities to
cars from the road for one year*
optimize refrigeration systems and operations
Our distribution centers require significant
and identify energy efficiency projects for the Planting approximately 2 million new trees*
amounts of energy to store, refrigerate and
future. These efforts have driven a cumulative Saving approximately 13 million gallons of
manage our vast portfolio of products. We
energy savings of nearly 200,000,000 kWh in diesel fuel*
work diligently to reduce the energy intensity of
our broadline business since 2015.
our business. *Source: EPA greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator
US Foods® currently operates three Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Silver-certified facilities, with two additional
locations in progress in Marrero, Louisiana, US FOODS
and Sacramento, California. LEED-certified BUDA, TEXAS
buildings have been shown to lower LEED-CERTIFIED
environmental impact and operating costs, DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
while providing a healthier working environment
for associates.
1M+ SQUARE FEET OF
LEED-CERTIFIED BUILDINGS
CASCADE ENERGY PARTNERSHIP
US Foods began partnering with Cascade
Energy (CE) in 2015 to track electricity usage
in our facilities through real-time monitoring.
This information is used to create predictive
facility-level energy models and assess energy
performance and potential savings. As a
result, our teams are able to better understand
our cold storage energy usage based on
anticipated conditions.25 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
REFRIGERATION efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas end of 2021. This facility is designed to meet
US Foods® continues to invest in the phasing emissions. We operate six facilities with solar rigorous LEED Silver-certification requirements,
out of r22 Freon-based refrigeration systems array installations—in Albuquerque, New and the company also plans to install solar
in key facilities in favor of lower-emission Mexico; La Mirada, California; Livermore, arrays at this location.
alternatives. In these facilities, r22 has been California; North Kingstown, Rhode Island;
Each year, 13 million kilowatt hours (kWh)
replaced with a new non-ozone-depleting Perth Amboy, New Jersey; and Phoenix, Arizona.
of electricity are generated from six
refrigerant, and existing equipment has been
US Foods solar installations, which includes an
retrofitted with alternative refrigeration, such
8.4-megawatt solar installation in Perth Amboy,
as ammonia or refrigerants with lower global
warming potential. 6 FACILITIES WITH
SOLAR ARRAY INSTALLATIONS
New Jersey — one of the largest rooftop solar
installations in the state. Electricity generated
TURNING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY through these installations is equivalent to the
Renewable energy, including solar power, Construction is currently underway on a new amount of carbon sequestered by approximately
plays an important role in increasing energy distribution center outside of Sacramento, 11,000 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
California, which is expected to open at the
13M KILOWATT HOURS (KWH) OF
ELECTRICITY ARE GENERATED
FROM SIX US FOODS SOLAR INSTALLATIONS26 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
WASTE DIVERSION into meaningful assistance for Americans WATER USAGE
According to the Environmental Protection facing food insecurity. Throughout 2020, US Foods strives to be efficient in everything
Agency (EPA), solid waste generation is on the we diverted nearly 14,000 tons of waste from we do, including how we use water in our direct
rise in the United States. US Foods® works landfills. That's the equivalent of saving nearly operations. Due to the nature of our business,
to monitor and reduce waste generated in 600,000 gallons of fuel. our water usage is relatively limited, primarily
our direct operations through both recycling reserved for refrigeration cooling cycles,
and product donation initiatives. Across our vehicle washing and sanitization in our meat
facilities, our material recycling efforts span
multiple categories, including cardboard,
paper, plastic and electronics, as well as
14,000+ TOTAL TONS OF WASTE
DIVERTED IN 2020
processing facilities. To assess efficiency, we
track and monitor our water usage across all
facilities to ensure usage does not fall outside
batteries, lightbulbs and oil/solvents. To track typical parameters.
our waste generation and identify further
waste reduction opportunities, we partner
with Republic Services, the second-largest
provider of nonhazardous waste collection and
recycling in the United States. Based on site
audits with Republic Services and the results of
US Foods’ companywide recycling survey, we
are both exploring the expansion of our waste
diversion efforts in the area of organic waste
and examining centralized waste reporting
strategies for local and national suppliers.
In addition to our material recycling initiatives,
supporting community organizations and
nonprofits through donations of surplus
product allows US Foods to divert food
waste from landfills. The EPA’s Food Recovery
Hierarchy lists feeding the hungry through
food banks, soup kitchens and shelters as a
preferred action to prevent and divert
wasted food. Throughout the year, our facilities
US FOODS DIVERTS
work with our major feeding partners like FOOD WASTE THROUGH
Feeding America to convert our excess food PRODUCT DONATIONS
TO HUNGER-RELIEF
PARTNERS LIKE
FEEDING TEXAS27 PEOPLE | PLANET | PRODUCTS
As we continue to update and add to our
IMPROVING THE The EPA’s SmartWay program fleet, we have selected new vehicle models
EFFICIENCY OF OUR FLEET helps US Foods advance that feature an aerodynamic design for better
Delivering products by truck is core to our supply chain sustainability by measuring, fuel efficiency and engines that run at a lower
business. We continually work to improve benchmarking and improving freight RPM to reduce emissions. In addition, the new
transportation efficiency and reduce the transportation efficiency. vehicles include state-of-the-art diagnostics
environmental footprint of our fleet. that connect to the engine and monitor
performance in real time, as well as onboard
OPTIMIZING ROUTING VEHICLE ENHANCEMENTS computer monitoring systems that are used to
We’re optimizing our routing to reduce miles US Foods® is recognized as a SmartWay report fuel economy and idle time. These data
driven and rightsizing our vehicles by route type partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection are used to drive continuous improvement and
to improve transportation efficiency. This work Agency’s SmartWay Transport program. The higher efficiency.
includes the implementation of technology that installation of SmartWay-verified tires and tire
equips our drivers with real-time traffic data inflation systems, the adoption of extended oil
and the increased integration of backhauls drain schedules to reduce oil use and waste and
into our routing. These efforts, in addition to the utilization of lighter-weight oil to improve
our other efficiency measures, have helped fuel economy all contribute to improved freight
us reduce gallons of fuel used annually and transportation efficiency.
reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
6.9% REDUCTION SINCE 2015
IN GALLONS OF FUEL
USED PER CASE DELIVERED 1,2
7.3% REDUCTION IN SCOPE 1
AND SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS
INTENSITY SINCE 2015 2,3,4
1. Broadline business only.
2. Includes the Food Group of Companies, acquired in September 2019, and reflects
transportation inefficiencies with reduced volumes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Emissions intensity measured as pounds of CO2e per case delivered.
4. Includes Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores, acquired in April 2020.You can also read
