Philadelphia, PA -Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), the largest U.S.-based food service company, is launching a new educational series for its workforce, 'Beyond the Plate,' which will provide ongoing information, explanations, and direction on cultural celebrations and related foods. The first conversation in the series features Dr. Jessica B. Harris, noted culinary historian and author of High on the Hog, contextualizing the significance of foods associated with African American communities, to coincide with February's Black History Month. Insights from the Beyond the Plate series will help Aramark employees plan and provide meals to the guests they serve.
Fenimore Fisher, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Aramark, recently interviewed Dr. Harris about the historical significance of foods and meals associated with the African continent and their role in shaping America's table. This conversation provided the background for the new series and will be available to all Aramark management to encourage greater understanding of the foods they serve.
Dr. Harris is considered by many to be one of the ranking authorities on the food of the African Diaspora. A New York Times bestselling author, she is the author, editor, or translator of 18 books, including 12 cookbooks documenting these foodways. Her award-winning book, High on the Hog, was the basis for the acclaimed Netflix series of the same name. Harris consults internationally, is leading the Culinary Institute of America's team to establish an African Diaspora concentration, and worked with the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture conceptualizing its cafeteria.
'I have long believed that the driver of innovation and equity is the study of history, and I was humbled to spend time with Dr. Harris learning about the undeniable impact of Africa's influence on America's table,' said Fisher. 'Our country is so fortunate to have her insight and we thank her for dedicating time to enhance our commitment to education and awareness to best serve our guests.'
Dr. Harris will also visit Aramark's global headquarters in Philadelphia in February as the keynote speaker for the company's LEAD (Leaders and Employees of African Descent) Summit, an annual conference sponsored by the employee resource group whose members self-identify as Black, African American, West Indian, or of African descent, as well as allies. Her presentation will be followed by an audience question-and-answer session and book signing.
As a leader in hospitality, Aramark's vision is to embrace a culture rooted in fairness and respect, while empowering its people to make meaningful impacts in the global communities it serves. This commitment is reflected in the continuous evolution and enhancement of educational paths for employees. Chef Spotlight, which was launched in 2021 with the support of our employee resource groups, celebrates the diversity of Aramark's culinary talent and spotlights the chefs who have had an impact on the organization and its guests by focusing on recipes that honor tradition.
Aramark has reached thousands of its employees through educational resources focused on inclusive leadership, service, and recruitment practices, interrupting bias in the workplace, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Aramark's efforts have also been well recognized in 2023 by the Human Rights Campaign, Black Enterprise, Disability Equality Index, and Fair360.
'While receiving recognition is certainly appreciated and establishes relevant benchmarks, the opportunity to introduce our workforce to Dr. Harris and the launch of Beyond the Plate furthers our commitment to people, planet, and the community, as articulated in our Be Well. Do Well. strategy.' said Fisher.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world's leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 18 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Aramark has been recognized on FORTUNE's list of 'World's Most Admired Companies,' DiversityInc's 'Top 50 Companies for Diversity' and 'Top Companies for Supplier Diversity,' Newsweek's list of 'America's Most Responsible Companies 2023,' the HRC's 'Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,' and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram.
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