Menlo College, Menlo School and Sodexho USA Announce New Partnership That Will Create Greener Campus, Offer Organic Products

ATHERTON, Calif. - May 26, 2005 - Menlo College and Menlo School today announced that as part of a new 10-year agreement with Sodexho USA, the nation's leading campus food and facilities provider, the schools dining programs will become “greener” through initiatives that will it possible to offer more organic and locally grown products. Sodexho will also enhance the dining program at all Menlo campus locations including residential, retail and catering outlets by completing a renovation with newer, softer seating arrangements and improved lighting. Menlo is one of the first higher education units in the country to take on such an expansive effort to go “green”.

"Sodexho's proposal delivers a commitment for a healthy, environmentally friendly dining program featuring organic products," stated Linda Seaver, Menlo College director of administration and operations. "This had great appeal to the committee and made Sodexho the clear choice."

Sodexho recognized the proposal committee's desire for a green college campus with a strong emphasis on providing healthier dining choices for the community. To create this flagship organic account, Sodexho will introduce a variety of organic, hormone-free and healthier products including:

• Hormone-free poultry, beef and pork (including deli meats) that are grain-fed and free of antibiotics and unnecessary preservatives.
  
• Certified organic produce, locally grown where possible, with seasonal exceptions as requested
  
• House-made salad dressings free of trans fats
  
• House-made desserts, cookies and pastries
  
• Organic cheeses, whole eggs, oils, spices, flour, granola, tofu, soy milk and other popular ingredients
  
• All bio-degradable disposable products
  
• Special labeling of all organic, hormone-free, free-range, and GMO free foods

All menu selections will be offered to catering clients.

“One of Menlo School's values is to teach students to lead healthful lives,” said Tony Lapolla, the dean of students for Menlo Upper School. “We look forward to further incorporating Sodexho's food program into the School's education mission.”

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 110,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.