Sodexo, Gaithersburg, Md., announced the deployment of its data-driven food waste prevention program, WasteWatch powered by Leanpath, at 3,000 sites worldwide within a year to halve food waste and food losses from its operations by 2025.

“We need to accelerate the fight against food waste for the sake of humanity and in light of hunger worldwide. The rapid deployment of WasteWatch powered by Leanpath is our rally cry across Sodexo to do our part, while empowering our clients and the consumers we serve. We must track how much food is discarded at each and every one of our foodservice sites, and we are committed to make these figures public to bring a sense of urgency and motivate us to always do better,” says Denis Machuel, chief executive officer. “Beyond data, the program is a revolutionary approach to foodservices. Our chefs, supply experts, site managers and frontline teams are trained and encouraged to think creatively and innovate in the way we plan, use and serve food to reduce avoidable waste.”

The WasteWatch powered by Leanpath program is said to prevent on average 50% of food wasted. Using the program, Sodexo teams can rapidly and easily capture food waste data, giving clear insights into what is being wasted in their kitchens and why.

“Sodexo’s commitment to deploy smart food waste measurement technology at 3,000 sites represents the largest initiative of its kind announced in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Sodexo will prevent a tremendous amount of food waste and make a significant global impact with this effort,” says Andrew Shakman, chief executive officer, Leanpath, Beaverton, Ore.