Bon Appétit Management Company has become a model for what is possible in sustainable food service.
We are the first food service company to address the issues related to where our food comes from and how it is grown. (See the timeline of our commitments.) We are still the largest restaurant company with such a high level of commitment to socially responsible practices. Bon Appétit is unique in that all of our promises apply to all cafés, not just specific "green" locations. This means that the impact of the programs listed below has been far reaching.
Farm to Fork
Launched in 1999, Farm to Fork is a Bon Appétit companywide initiative to buy locally. The first choice is to purchase seasonal, regional and organic produce from small, owner-operated farmers and artisan producers within a 150-mile radius. We spend tens of millions annually with local producers. The result is delicious food, stronger communities and healthier customers.
Fish to Fork and Seafood
All seafood is purchased in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch guidelines for sustainable seafood. Locally sourced fish that meets certain guidelines is the first choice for seafood purchases. Tuna is dolphin-safe, packed in water.
Animal WelfareFor a detailed look at our commitments to pork raised without use of gestation crates, eggs from hens not housed in battery cages, rBGH-free milk and yogurt, and more, visit our Animal Welfare page.
Low Carbon Diet
The Low Carbon Diet is Bon Appétit Management Company’s endeavor to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of all its cafés. Food production -- including processing, transportation, packaging, preparation and waste -- is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas production. The Low Carbon Diet takes a bite out of carbon emissions by reducing use of high-carbon foods, promoting seasonality, providing alternatives to foreign and bottled water, conducting energy audits of equipment and developing innovative waste management programs. Customer education is a major component of the Low Carbon Diet.
Fair Trade
Bon Appétit supports farmers' and farmworkers' rights and purchases Cordillera Fair Trade Certified Chocolate for use in baking companywide. Individual accounts offer Fair Trade Certified, shade-grown and organic coffee options wherever possible.The company has introduced a pilot Fair Trade Uniform program in select educational accounts for its student employees.
Farmworker Welfare
To learn more about our work in the areas of farmworker rights — and what you can do to join us — visit this page.
