Aramark and Casa Central Continue Partnership to Improve Children’s Health and Wellness

Chicago, IL, March 19, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Young children in Chicago are battling many health and wellness issues, including considerably higher obesity rates than low-income children of the same age both state and nationwide, according to the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC).

Recognizing the health and wellness issues faced by Chicago children and around the world, Aramark is extending its health and wellness platform and commitment, Healthy For Life™, into underserved communities. During the company’s inaugural Global Volunteer Day on March 19, more than 150 Chicagoland employees will join colleagues in an effort to provide children and families with better access to healthy food, nutritional education and active play and physical activity spaces.      

Today at Casa Central in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, Aramark will establish a Healthy for Life™ Zone that will be a year-round hub of health and wellness education and awareness. A team of Aramark dietitians and chefs will work with preschoolers and their families to prepare a healthy breakfast, and then provide them with the ingredients needed to prepare the meal at home and the tools to make these strategies part of their everyday behaviors.

Volunteers will also enhance Casa Central’s capacity to feed and nourish the community by transforming the cafeteria into an inspirational space where families can learn about healthy choices as they share a meal. Employees will create interactive, educational murals and vegetable growing kits in decorative pots for kids to take home and cultivate for their own micro produce gardens.  

“Aramark is committed to its mission of enriching and nourishing lives, in the locations where we serve our clients and customers, and in our local communities,” said Fred Sutherland, Aramark Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “Global Volunteer Day expands this commitment, bringing much-needed solutions to underserved communities.”

 “Aramark’s focus on inspiring kids to be healthy for life aligns nicely with Casa Central’s Healthy Kids Initiatives,” said Ann Alvarez, President and CEO of Casa Central. “It is important to make health and nutrition a priority for our children and families so that they become part of their lifestyles. Aramark and the Chicago team have been wonderful partners in these efforts and have helped us build a stronger and healthier community.”

In communities where low-income residents have little access to nutrition education and awareness, Aramark’s Healthy For Life™ community engagement program teaches families on the simple steps and concepts such as finding healthy choices on a limited budget, and preparing inexpensive, nutritious meals.

Global Volunteer Day is an extension of Aramark Building Community, the company’s volunteer and philanthropic program that enriches lives by helping improve family health, prepare youth and adults for work and support individuals working their way out of poverty in Chicago and in 52 cities around the world. Through Aramark Building Community, the company donates time, expertise, financial and in-kind resources to help families in need. Since 2008, in partnership with community centers around the world, more than 20,000 Aramark employees have impacted the lives of some four million families. Please join us on Facebook.

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About Casa Central
Since 1954, Casa Central has grown to become the largest Hispanic social service agency in Chicago, transforming lives and strengthening communities. Our network of social services propels a diverse population of all ages toward self-sufficiency and a higher quality of life. For more information, visit www.casacentral.org.

About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) is in the customer service business across food, facilities and uniforms, wherever people work, learn, recover, and play.  United by a passion to serve, our more than 270,000 employees deliver experiences that enrich and nourish the lives of millions of people in 22 countries around the world every day.  Aramark is recognized among the Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE and the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.