HMSHost Corp. has been selected as a finalist in the National Restaurant Association’s 2014 Operator Innovations Awards’ Sustainability category for its “startsomewhere” program.
Through startsomewhere, HMSHost aims to ensure that sustainable practices are part of operations at all of its airport and motorway restaurants and its office spaces across the nation. The program focuses broadly on the environment, nutrition and wellness and community partnerships.
HMSHost says it has donated more than 2 million pounds of food to community food banks, recycled more than 2 million bottles and cans and donated nearly 2 million pounds of composting through the program.
“Sustainability is a very important part of HMSHost’s role in the communities we serve, as well as how we strive to preserve our environment in the course of business,” says Jeff Yablun, chief commercial officer. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the National Restaurant Association, and we are proud of our associates that work hard every day to uphold the sustainability standards which have enabled startsomewhere to become a finalist for this significant award.”
The winner will be named at the 2014 National Restaurant Association Show May 17-20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The company received the 2013 NRA award for Innovator of the Year in the Menu Development category and was a finalist in the Food Safety category.
