This November, more than 100 ARAMARK employees in greater Houston revitalized the Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center. Volunteers brought new life to the center by revamping the gazebo, planting trees, renovating the garden, repainting the basketball court, adding artwork and undertaking other restorative projects.
The Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center is an important asset to the city. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, it served as a central location for FEMA assistance intake as well as a Red Cross shelter, providing sanctuary for more than 200 individuals and food for more than 1,300 families.
"With the recent challenges Houston has had to endure, the community - both businesses and neighbors - have really pulled together to invest in projects like the Cleveland-Ripley Center," said Angela Blanchard, President and CEO of Neighborhood Centers. "We are so thankful for our partnership with ARAMARK. Their support of our community center campuses, in addition to our workforce development programs and health and wellness initiatives, enhances what we are already doing to help strengthen neighborhoods and bridge cultural divides."
This will be the second ARAMARK service day project at one of NCI's community centers. Last year, volunteers restored and re-energized the Harbach-Ripley Neighborhood Center in Houston's Sunnyside neighborhood. In recognition of that work, Keep Houston Beautiful will recognize ARAMARK with a Mayor's Proud Partners Award on November 17.
"At ARAMARK, we have a legacy of putting community needs first. Our passion for volunteerism allows us to positively impact social issues in a powerful way, and in a manner that is truly relevant to our business strengths, our corporate culture, and the Houston community," said John Babiarz, ARAMARK Healthcare group president and local ARAMARK Building Community sponsor. "The ongoing partnership with Neighborhood Centers allows us to make a significant difference in Houston. Instead of simply bringing in our resources for one event, we have an ongoing commitment, one community center, one neighborhood, and one project at a time."
Neighborhood Centers and ARAMARK have developed several programs over the past several years. These efforts include co-hosting youth career fairs to help prepare young people for jobs and creating community health and wellness fairs to promote healthy lifestyle choices using the technical expertise of ARAMARK dietitians and chefs.
In 2009, the partnership will expand to include a workforce training program to recruit additional local high school students for ARAMARK internship positions, creating a curriculum of healthy cooking classes with ARAMARK chefs, and assessing the operational efficiencies of NCI facilities.

New electricity strategy helps ARAMARK save money and energy

UT student-run international buffet features Volunteer Week theme

Annual campaign strives to help Maine communities find school supplies

Schools make green list thanks in part to eco-conscious food programs

ARAMARK company-wide community involvement initiative on the road again

ARAMARK partners with business community to help workforce readiness



Corban University Food Services Director welcomed to the Red Hat crew





Top ARAMARK chefs vie for the Gold Medal at the 3rd annual ACE competition.

ARAMARK Higher Ed team does what it can to help after Washington, DC, Metro train crash.


ARAMARK partners with Carson-Newman College to operate the local bakery.

Twenty-four ARAMARK employees were recently awarded Jefferson Awards for community service.

ARAMARK at USF program provides young adults with job training and help finding employment.

Closed loop local food project brings greater sustainability to University of Southern Maine.

ARAMARK and FSU student group host "Dine in the Dark" event as part of global Earth Hour effort.

Vermont's Lyndon State College has recently implemented a new system of composting waste.

A May food drive organized by ARAMARK and Old Dominion extended after great success.

Displaced from Burundi by ongoing war, jobs gives refugees a step toward normalcy.

The college is partnering with ARAMARK to design and implement a comprehensive energy program.

Olin College is on track to saving nearly $1.5 million in energy costs over three years.

ARAMARK employee volunteers give facelift to Queens Community House.


Bloomsburg University of PA repackaged and distributed 12 tons of food to those in need.

University food supplier will adopt new measures to improve sustainability.

Kari Willmott was nominated for the TRiO Student's Choice Award.

USF Surf Club and ARAMARK have always had a tradition of giving back to the local community.

25 students participated in ARAMARK'S second Annual Hot Wing Eating Contest.

Julius Jackson won first place in the 8th Annual Top Chef competition hosted by ARAMARK.


Executive chef Masahiro Yamashita wins a gold medal at the ARAMARK Culinary Excellence Competition.


The new CityKids Java Café serves up sustainable food and support for at-risk kids.

Students enjoy locally grown and harvested foods in new on-campus cafe.

With $5 combo meals, students are getting a new taste of value.

Student-run restaurant offers great learning opportunity, awesome meals.

Boston Unity Dining Services helped feed over 1,250 people this holiday season.

Brandeis Greening class works with community to bring local produce to campus.

ARAMARK and local farm work to build more sustainable food system.

Over 1,300 take part in University of Rochester Local Foods Week.

University of Maine-Farmington honored for his commitment to the community.

Get to know the Director of the University of Rochester's Eastman Dining Center.

Nearly 100 employees, friend and family celebrated the day by helping the community.

Best-selling health & lifestyle author Anne M. Fletcher is speaking at campuses nationwide.

Director of ARAMARK Fleet Operations talks about how ARAMARK is greening our roadways.

Local center gets a desperately needed - and well deserved -- renovation.

Best-selling health & lifestyle author Anne M. Fletcher is speaking at campuses nationwide.

ARAMARK invests in the first fully-chartered Boys & Girls Club to operate within a homeless shelter.

ARAMARK works with campus partners to incorporate Zero Waste practices.

Top ARAMARK chefs embark on a multinational cultural journey of a lifetime.

Dedicated employees are rewarded in the 2008 THRIVE Recognition Program drawing.

The latest edition of "Meet the 'MARK" features a key player at Vassar College Dining Services.

ARAMARK's partners at the University of Florida keep up the good work.

The ARAMARK Building Community national tour makes a stop in San Francisco.

ARAMARK teams up with the Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville, MA.

The Tennant Company helps develop an environmentally-safe light industrial scrubber.

Students try trayless dining in an effort to support environmental stewardship.

Twenty ARAMARK employees receive prestigious Jefferson Awards.

Campus partners recycle almost 12 million pounds of waste in the 2008 RecycleMania program.


ARAMARK makes a commitment to help preserve the world's oceans and fisheries.

Students find out how much food is wasted at Old Dominion University's Café 1201.

ARAMARK helps Berklee reduce its campus-wide energy use by almost 40 percent.

ARAMARK finds Energy Star options for the University of Florida.

The new science building of Muhlenberg College wins a Silver LEED Rating.
We're committed to protecting and improving the environment by weaving an essential Green Thread through every aspect of our business.
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