WASHINGTON—Today Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, released its 2026 Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard. Now in its fifth year, the scorecard ranks major U.S. food service management companies on their progress toward plant forward initiatives and measurable reductions in animal protein purchasing, while increasing the variety of fiber rich proteins offered.
Collectively, these companies serve millions of meals each day at K-12 schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, corporate campuses and public institutions, including the University of California system, the National Park Service, Google and Microsoft.
Kate Watts, director of food service innovation at Humane World for Animals, said: “The scorecard is a critical resource and essential tool that offers consumers and institutions a clear, data driven look at which companies are helping drive a more sustainable and humane food system—and which are falling behind. Companies are proving that plant forward menus aren’t just possible—they’re already happening.”
- Some food service companies have strong sustainability commitments and have made meaningful progress toward meeting those goals by prioritizing plant-based initiatives. Others boast impressive sustainability goals, but in reality, they have yet to achieve anything beyond the language of their commitments.
- There is a widening gap between food service giants like Guckenheimer, Elior North America, Metz Culinary Management, HHS LLC., and Aramark that are backing up their sustainability promises and those that are not, like OVG Hospitality.
- The top seven highest scoring companies could collectively reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by over an estimated 1 million metric tons per year, which has the same climate impact as taking 240,000 gas-powered cars off the road for a year.
“These companies have the power to influence public health, animal welfare and climate. The global food system accounts for roughly one-third of human caused greenhouse gas emissions, with animal agriculture as a major driver due to its heavy use of land, water and energy. Shifting menus toward plant-based foods is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways these companies can cut emissions, said Karla Dumas, RDN, vice president of farm animal protection in the U.S. at Humane World for Animals. “Greenwashing doesn’t cut it anymore. Companies must show, not just tell, how they’re reducing their impact on animals and the planet. This valuable scorecard distinguishes true leadership from those who maintain the status quo.”
