Consumers Looking For Healthier Food Away-From-Home

ARAMARK Solutions Highlighted in Honor of National Nutrition Month, Including Nutrition Education Programs and Customized Menus

Consumers are now more concerned than ever with the health and nutrition of the foods they eat, according to research on the away-from-home dining habits and nutritional preferences of more than 5,000 Americans.

According to ARAMARK’s Nutritional DiningStyles™ Research, first presented in October 2005 to scientists at the NAASO Obesity Summit, “Health Consciousness” now ranks as the fourth most influential dining out motivation, up from number five in 2004. In addition, 41 percent of respondents would like to see nutritional information printed on menus.

“When eating away-from-home, consumers are more time-pressed than ever,” said Jenifer Bland-Campbell, RD, ARAMARK Senior Director of Nutrition Program Development. “Yet they still want a variety of healthy foods from which to choose. So, food service operators need to make it easier than ever to help consumers find healthier options quickly.”

More information on the Nutritional DiningStyles™ Research, including an online calculator where consumers can find their own dining style and receive dietary tips, is available at www.diningstyle.com.

In honor of National Nutrition Month®, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, ARAMARK locations in March will participate in a variety of health and nutrition-focused activities.

Dietitians at hundreds of ARAMARK-managed hospitals and health systems will lead on-site nutrition fairs and educational initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of eating more healthfully.

In addition, ARAMARK-managed school districts across the United States have developed nutrition-related educational tools; posters; banners; healthy snack promotions; Treat Yourself Right fairs; student assemblies featuring Spike, ARAMARK’s own nutrition mascot; nutrition webinars; public address announcements; and graphics to communicate the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout the year, ARAMARK helps consumers celebrate healthier lifestyles by offering nutrition education and healthy product promotions at more than 2,000 businesses, college and university campuses and hospitals where ARAMARK manages food services.

The “Fresh & Healthy” campaign features colorful point-of-sale materials that playfully direct customers to the healthier food options available at that dining location. Launched last March, in honor of the American Dietetic Association’s National Nutrition Month®, the popular program, which is updated quarterly, now includes healthier menu promotions, table tents, and a newsletter that educates consumers on a variety of healthy living tips, from the benefits of vitamin-packed autumn vegetables to nutritious make-at-home recipes to heart health. Newsletter content is favorably reviewed by the American Dietetic Association.

In addition, ARAMARK’s award-winning healthier menu program, Just4U™ – Food that fits your life! continues to grow in popularity. Based on extensive research conducted nationwide and on-site at ARAMARK-managed dining rooms, the Just4U™ brand offers diners more of the healthier foods they are looking for -- whether Low Fat, Heart Healthy, Cal Smart, Carb Counter, Vegetarian or Vegan. Flavor-packed recipes, point-of-sale nutritional information and easy-to-follow signage are cornerstones of Just4U™, now available to diners at dozens of businesses, colleges and hospitals. Just4U™ has been favorably reviewed by both the American Dietetic Association and American Diabetes Association, not to mention thousands of ARAMARK customers.

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2006 list of "America's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and industry analysts. The company was also ranked first in its industry in the 2005 FORTUNE 500 survey. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 240,000 employees serving clients in 19 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com.