Sodexho USA and the Sodexho Foundation Donate Over 500,000 Meals to Victims of Hurricane Katrina

GAITHERSBURG, MD, September 6, 2005-Recognizing the critical need for basic necessities such as food and water in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Sodexho USA and the Sodexho Foundation have made an initial pledge of 500,000 meals to aid victims and evacuees in the Gulf region. Sodexho employee volunteers will be working to assist America's Second Harvest and its affiliates in the Gulf region to deliver and serve the meals at ten sites across the region.

“Sodexho has been a strong partner for many years. They are always among the first to step up to the plate and deliver in the fight against hunger. We are grateful to the people of Sodexho and the Sodexho Foundation for their immense contribution to those in need,” said Robert Forney, president and CEO of America's Second Harvest.

All meals will be prepared at a Sodexho-operated cook-chill facility and delivered by truck to feeding sites designated by America's Second Harvest. Scores of Sodexho employee volunteers will coordinate heating and serving the meals.

“The mission of the Sodexho Foundation is to end hunger in America by fighting its root causes. In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, we are marshalling significant resources from the Foundation and the company to provide assistance to those most in need,” said Steve Brady, president of the Sodexho Foundation.

Brady went on to say, “As a company we are shocked and saddened by the massive catastrophe that has befallen some of our country's most vulnerable citizens. Sodexho is committed to helping those in the Gulf States and to continuing the fight against hunger in America."

The Sodexho Foundation (www.helpstophunger.org) is an independent charitable organization that is leading the fight against hunger by supporting initiatives that focus on eliminating the root causes of hunger in the US. Administrative costs are paid by Sodexho USA to ensure that all money raised is directed to those in need.

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 120,000+ 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.