Sustainability

Leading the path toward a sustainable future

At Bon Appétit, sustainability is our guiding philosophy. As we make choices to build a sustainable future, our company culture is empowered by a vision of fixing the food system. Through our ideals and commitment to action, we have become a recognized industry leader in social and environmental responsibility.

Choices that matter

As a company, we’ve long seen human health, social justice, and environmental sustainability as intertwined, and we’ve used this philosophy as the basis for our companywide food standards, which govern how our chefs source ingredients, how they create menus, and our overall approach to wellness.

We believe that the choices we make can not only offer our clients exceptional cooked-from-scratch food but can also make the food system better. We are fighting against the barriers to sustainable practices and inspiring industrywide changes through innovative action.

“Food service for a sustainable future” is flavorful food that’s healthy and economically viable for all, produced through practices that respect farmers, workers, and animals; nourish the community; and replenish our shared natural resources for future generations.

Bon Appétit Management Company’s
operational definition of sustainability
hands displaying scallions that have just been pulled from the ground

Farm to Fork

Our local sourcing program is the foundation of Bon Appétit’s highly regarded suite of sustainability initiatives. By purchasing ingredients produced by small, local, owner-operated farms, ranches, and artisan food businesses within 150 miles of our cafes, we support local food systems and ensure our food is made with the absolute best-quality ingredients.

Local farms, great ingredients
composting sustainability

Fighting Waste

From limiting single-use items and navigating composting complexities to keeping up with the ever-changing recycling industry, we regularly see opportunities to reduce waste. With our proprietary waste tracking system Waste Not™, we’ve targeted the waste we do generate, reducing an average of 20-45% of waste and acting responsibly for our planet.

We hate waste with a passion
Chickpea salad

Low Carbon Lifestyle

We’re always updating and measuring our efforts to reduce the climate-changing impacts of our food choices. Our efforts include increasing plant-based proteins, reducing deforestation in our supply chain, and avoiding air-freighted foods.

Explore the food & climate connection
Juvenile pigs at a small farm

Animal Welfare

As industry leaders, we were the first food service company to transition to cage-free eggs, Certified Humane ground beef, and to roll out gestation crate-free pork nationwide. We have been recognized for our humane work within the food industry and continue to make change, supporting healthier animals, better food, and more humane practices.

We’ve led shifts in the industry

Sustainable Seafood

Seafood is purchased fresh when available locally or frozen at the source to ensure quality — never air-freighted. All seafood purchases, wild and farmed, follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program sustainability guidelines to protect and conserve healthy oceans.

It’s in our DNA
farm worker

Farmworkers’ Rights

We believe that farmworkers should not only be honored for their contribution to our food system, but enjoy the same rights and protections as employees in other occupations.

Our years of advocacy for farmworkers
Farmer holding turkey with flock in background

Resisting Antibiotics Abuse

As a socially responsible company, we are committed to helping address the public health threat from antibiotic resistance. We’re making healthier choices to protect each other.

Our push for progress
woman in overalls with produce
farm fresh local eggs
Edible Garden

Sustainability is everyone’s job

We believe that it takes more than one person or one siloed team in a company to truly make sustainability a core operating principle. From our wellness and purchasing teams to our managers and cooks in the field, we strive for sustainability to be second nature across every level of our company.

From our CEO: Sustainability is Everyone’s Job