Sodexho's Meal Program at Portland State University Receives Top Honor for Sustainable Food Systems

PORTLAND, OR, May 8, 2006-The City of Portland has honored Portland State University (PSU) for significant and unique achievement toward sustainable practices for its food service program operated by Sodexho (NYSE: SDX), the nation's leading provider of food and facilities management services. PSU has received this year's BEST (Business for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow) Award in the category of Sustainable Food.

Recognition was given to PSU for the inclusion of sustainability criteria in the food service contract with Sodexho and for educating students about sustainable food choices. Specifically, Sodexho and PSU have created programs to provide sustainable and locally produced food products used in the student meal programs.

Sodexho and PSU also implemented education programs to increase student awareness of personally and environmentally healthy meal options.

The BEST Awards are presented annually by the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development to recognize businesses with significant and unique achievements toward sustainable practices.

“We are delighted with Sodexho's eagerness to pursue an increasingly environmentally friendly foodservice,” said John Eckman, associate director of auxiliary services at Portland State University. “Sodexho has proven to be an important partner for PSU as we work to institutionalize sustainable practices in our operations.”

Sodexho, Inc. (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with $6.3 billion in annual revenue and 120,000+ employees. Sodexho, Inc. offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites throughout North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho, Inc. proudly serves as the official food service provider for the U.S. Marine Corps.