Today consumers are expecting businesses to behave responsibly and are looking for more information about the food they are consuming and its impact on their health. The food service industry has responded by creating corporate social responsibility (CSR) statements that indicate what initiatives they are taking to be more socially responsible. This study aimed to assess the sustainability-related practices of the top 66 restaurant chains in the US, as well as the differences in the environmental impacts of their menu offerings based on their sustainability score. Using an environmental assessment rubric developed by the research team, the sustainability practices of each restaurant were scored based on criteria such as menu offerings, energy management, water management, material waste management, food waste, packaging, supply chain, and GHG emission reduction practices. The scores were then summed up to give each restaurant a sustainability score. The restaurant sustainability score was then evaluated for its relationship with the environmental impact of menu offerings based on the protein content of entrees, sides, desserts, and beverages offered on the menus of these same 66 top-selling restaurant chains. The protein types were beef, chicken, pork, turkey, vegetarian, vegan, dairy/cheese, nuts, beans, and combo/multiple proteins. The study found that dairy proteins were associated with the highest mean sustainability score, followed by multiple/mixed proteins and pork. Fish and beans were associated with the lowest mean sustainability score. The findings suggest that there is a positive association between sustainability scores and the likelihood of offering items with certain protein types, such as vegetarian, vegan, nuts, and beans. We reassess the role of the food industry from a forward-looking perspective on responsibility and ask what food companies can and should do to promote planetary and human health.
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Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. | Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. | CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. | Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. | Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
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