Aramark Provides Health and Wellness Solutions for Houston
In partnership with Neighborhood Centers Inc., more than 125 employees inspire children to be healthy for life as part of first annual Global Volunteer Day
Houston, TX, March 19, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Houston children face a variety of health and wellness challenges. In fact, youth obesity is a growing epidemic and in the last decade, the percentage of overweight or obese students entering Houston high schools has ballooned to nearly 35%, according to researchers.
Recognizing the health and wellness issues facing Houston, 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 125 Houston-area employees will partner with Neighborhood Centers Inc. as part of an effort to provide children and families with better access to healthy food, nutritional education and active play and physical activity spaces.
Today at Neighborhood Centers’ Harbach-Ripley location in Houston, Aramark will establish a Healthy for Life™ Zone that will be a year-round hub of health and wellness education and awareness. Employees will create an organic urban farm, building planter beds to provide healthy fruits and vegetables that will supplement the center’s food pantry. Volunteers will also help encourage outdoor activity and learning for children, building a play and activity area complete with a butterfly garden and bird baths.
“During Global Volunteer Day and throughout the year, our employees are applying their expertise to engage and educate children and families about making healthy life choices,” said Marc Bruno, Chief Operating Officer, Aramark Sports, Leisure and Corrections. “We have a passion for service and a commitment to strengthening Houston families and communities, today and every day.”
In communities like Houston where low-income residents have little access to nutritious and healthy options, childhood obesity is at its worst. The Aramark Healthy For Life™ community engagement program educates families on the simple steps and concepts such as finding healthy choices on a limited budget, preparing inexpensive, nutritious meals and introducing children to healthy food choices.
“Aramark has been a longtime partner in sustaining and growing our facility’s capacity to serve our community,” said Claudia Vasquez, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer of Neighborhood Centers Inc. “Aramark is one of our main health and wellness sponsors and we’re excited to have the company’s volunteers return to Harbach-Ripley with their passion for service.”
Global Volunteer Day is an expansion 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 Houston 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 Neighborhood Centers
Neighborhood Centers Inc. brings resources, education and connection to more than 500,000 people throughout Texas each year. For more than a century, Neighborhood Centers has offered innovative community development solutions for people at every stage of life – from infants to seniors. The organization works with residents of emerging communities in 74 service locations to help them discover the strengths and skills necessary to become productive, prosperous and self-sufficient. Building on the strengths of individuals and communities, Neighborhood Centers is transforming them. FOR GOOD. Neighborhood Centers Inc. is a United Way agency. For more information, visit www.neighborhood-centers.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.
