Phil Harty, regional vice president of campus services for Sodexo, said during a news conference at Vermont Technical College that the company has the market share to accelerate the growth in the state’s agricultural industry.
The international food service company says it provides 34,000 meals per day in Vermont. The company says about 15 percent of the food comes from Vermont, and in the past year, it spent $16 million on local food.
In Vermont, Sodexo serves two public schools, the University of Vermont, St. Michael’s College, Champlain College, Norwich University, World Learning and the state colleges.
Harty said his clients are asking for more local food, especially at higher education institutions, but not all food is affordable for the state, citing local meat at over $4 per pound as an example.
He said the company will reach out to more food producers to discuss partnerships to increase the economies of scale. He said the pledge will not increase the cost of food at Vermont institutions.
“The intention is that we do this in a responsible manner,” he said.
Gov. Peter Shumlin and Agency of Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross supported the company’s pledge Thursday. They said the company’s commitment will grow jobs in the state’s agricultural sector.
