SODEXHO USA NAMED 'EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR' BY THE AUTISM SERVICES ASSOCIATION

GAITHERSBURG, MD, June 8, 2005 -- Sodexho USA, the nation's leading provider of food and facilities management services, was recently named 'Employer of the Year' by the Autism Services Association (ASA) for 2005. ASA was established in 1963 by a group of concerned parents, citizens and community leaders to serve the needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in central and eastern Massachusetts.

“We are excited to receive the 'Employer of the Year Award' from ASA,” said Robert Grimes, the general manager for Sodexho's Corporate Services Division in Stowe, Mass. “ASA has talented and enthusiastic workers who just need a chance to apply their skills in a positive, supportive work environment. We are able to give them jobs, resulting in a very successful partnership.”

Sodexho has been working with ASA since 2004 and plans to expand the employment of ASA workers at additional locations in Massachusetts. To qualify, ASA workers must be 16 years or older, diagnosed with autism and or other developmental disability and in need of vocational services.

“It is with sincere appreciation that we honor Sodexho with the 'Employer of the Year' award,” said Dr. Joel Smith, executive director of ASA. “Sodexho has provided employment and job training skills to young adults with autism and given them the opportunity to experience the satisfaction and fulfillment of doing a job well.”

The Autism Services Association is a private non-profit human service agency which provides community employment services, supported employment and other clinical supports to young adults and adults with autism and other challenging developmental disabilities.

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 110,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.