Stewardship

Many of the same things that have driven our growth so far – people, innovation, responsibility, and showing we care – remain vital to our success. Call it stewardship.

What Stewardship Means to Gordon Food Service

Stewardship at Gordon Food Service is the responsibility of demonstrating care for our people, our environment and our communities. We partner with responsible partners, understand our environmental impact, care for our employees and contribute to our communities.

Our Stewardship Pillars

Sustainable Operations

As we look for ways to minimize our impact on the world around us, we keep a close watch on our distribution centers, stores, and fleet.

Distribution Centers

Throughout our footprint, our distribution centers are able to give back to the community and reduce waste by donating safe food. We have also started the process to introduce solar at one of the distribution centers, recognizing that renewable energy helps us grow and operate more sustainably.

Stores

Through our remodels and new store openings, we have looked for opportunities to bring energy efficiencies.

Fleet

Vehicles, whether driving or stopped for delivery, are a reminder of our presence in the community. From load and route optimization to zero-emission refrigerated vans coming soon to select Stores, we recognize our fleet plays a role in our sustainable operations.

Responsible Sourcing

While keeping product quality and safety at our core, we have a responsibility to provide transparency about the items we distribute. This empowers our customers in being able to make informed purchasing decisions.

Food Safety Comes First

Safety is paramount in the food industry. It helps define quality and this is core to serving our customers. Our Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) team acts as our eyes and ears to maintain the highest standards of product consistency, safety and quality.

Enhancing Product Transparency

Knowledge is power. Sharing detailed product information allows customers to make informed purchasing decisions when choosing products that fit their goals, brands, or values. The name says it all, Clear Choice. This program gives customers a clearer view of the products available with details and attributes across multiple categories. Through direct engagement with vendors, this program is rooted in building trust with our customers.

Stewardship Through Brand Innovation

Waste reduction. Support local. Products with purpose. We understand our diverse customers have a spectrum of goals and initiatives. Learn more about our brands that may offer unique sustainability solutions: Goodfinds, Markon Local, Re.Source.

We look towards the future of foodservice in cooperation with Partners at Food Foundry. Food Foundry® is a Chicago-based accelerator program built by Relish Works® and Gordon Food Service to support, connect and propel innovative growth-stage startups who are disrupting and rethinking the food industry.

Empowering People

We appreciate that people are our greatest asset, and it’s why we value, grow, and empower our employees while investing in tomorrow’s workforce.

Safety & Support

We require compliance with all applicable workplace and transportation safety standards, provide ongoing training, and offer meaningful incentives to ensure a safe work environment.

Our Women in Transportation mentorship experience aims to bring success by creating a supportive relationship in order to help drive fulfillment, career goals, and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Everyone is Important is one of our company’s Cornerstone Values. We demonstrate it in our organization and the communities we serve. We aspire to listen, learn and support equitable solutions that create an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

We are proud to offer:

Inclusion Starts With I Speaker Series
Rise & Shine Women’s Virtual Conference
Supplier Diversity Program & Partnership
DEI Roundtables & Training

Learn more about how we Empower People here.

Supporting Community

The foodservice business is all about relationships. We can’t do business in a community without a commitment to support the people who live, work and play there.

Food Donations

Millions of families across North America, many with children, struggle with food insecurity. Each year, our distribution centers, stores, shows and events donate millions of pounds of food to local hunger relief organizations to help feed those in need.

Tomorrow's Workforce

Gordon Food Service has a robust internship program, hiring a diverse group of interns to provide them with professional experiences, mentorships, and networking.

Community Partnerships

Whether it is building shelter and strength with Habitat for Humanity or supporting a local organization focused on reducing food insecurity. Our teams get out and serve their communities with their time and talents.