The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease, and Aramark, the largest U.S. food service company serving two billion meals each year, are thrilled their Healthy for Life® 20 By 20 collaboration is the 2018 Silver Halo Award winner in the health category.

The Halo Awards, bestowed by Engage for Good (formerly the Cause Marketing Forum), are North America’s highest honor for corporate social initiatives and cause marketing. This prestigious award recognizes social good campaigns targeted at consumers and/or employees involving a company and a cause.

Healthy for Life® 20 By 20 is a five-year initiative that introduces industry leading healthy menu commitments by reducing calories, saturated fat and sodium, while increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains 20 percent by the year 2020. Menu changes are already impacting the billions of meals that Aramark serves annually at thousands of colleges and universities, businesses, hospitals and other destinations.

The multi-year collaboration is unique because it comprehensively addresses population health through the combination of healthy menu innovation, consumer health engagement, community health outreach and Aramark employee wellbeing initiatives.

“The American Heart Association is deeply committed to developing innovation solutions with industry leaders to help all Americans live healthier lives,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association. “Aramark has proven to be a visionary collaborator with Healthy for Life 20 By 20. Together, under CEO Eric Foss’ leadership, we are developing new ways to improve the nation’s health.”

Aramark and the Association are reporting that through the second year of their collaboration, together, they’ve achieved a 13 percent average reduction in calories, saturated fat and sodium plus significant increases in fruits, vegetables and whole grains on the menus.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition with the American Heart Association for our ongoing efforts to build a culture of health,” said Eric J. Foss, Aramark’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “It validates how two committed organizations, united through a common goal, can make a difference.”

Additionally, a new health engagement campaign, Feed Your Potential 365™, was launched in 2016. “FYP clubs” are inspiring families in underserved communities to make healthy food choices part of their everyday lives. Participants in the community program reported a 28 percent average increase in fruit and vegetable consumption as well as significant increases in the frequency of choosing whole grains. Participants also reported improved confidence in their ability to prepare healthy foods at home. Elements of the program have expanded to nearly 50 community centers in 26 cities.

“The Halo Awards were created to acknowledge best in class corporate social impact programs. This year’s winners are a fantastic representation of the effective and innovative ways companies and causes can work together to create meaningful business and social returns,” said David Hessekiel, President, Engage for Good.

For more information about Healthy for Life® 20 By 20 visit https://www.aramark.com/healthyforlife