Guckenheimer says it will be the first company of its kind to utilize the United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC) Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL) Certification. USHFC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving consumer access to healthful, affordable and sustainable food and beverages.
Four Guckenheimer managed cafes in Boston, San Francisco, Oakland and Omaha 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," says USHFC President Lawrence Williams.
Beginning with four pilot accounts, 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 preparation methods, moderate portion sizes, behavioral components that encourage "better for you" choices, sustainable practices for food sourcing, etc.
Guckenheimer facilities that meet or exceed the USHFC's criteria will be the first locations managed by contract foodservice to achieve REAL Certification, the company says. The first announcement of REAL certified Guckenheimer locations is anticipated in May.
