Chef Andre Rush to Elevate Sodexo’s Government Service Menus
Sodexo, the nation’s largest federal foodservice contractor, is partnering with Chef Andre Rush, former White House chef for multiple administrations, bestselling author, award-winning Olympic chef, and U.S. veteran among other accolades. Through this partnership, Sodexo will benefit from Chef Rush’s culinary expertise alongside his special interest in supporting servicemen and women’s mental and physical well-being – to innovate and elevate menus across Sodexo’s government services.
“One of my primary goals – and something that’s been evident in both my journey in the military and as a chef – is making a meaningful impact,” said Rush. “Sodexo proudly serves servicewomen and men across the U.S. as the largest federal foodservice contractor. I’m thrilled to lend my expertise to Sodexo, ultimately touching lives – and notably those serving our country – from coast to coast.”
Touting significant military and culinary achievements – including training over 10,000 troops in culinary arts and serving as a combat trainer, qualifying over 1,000 service members and civilians in hand-to-hand combat – Chef Rush is a devout advocate for veterans’ well-being. This led to the launch of his nonprofit, 2222 Inc., in tandem with his various culinary ventures.
“It’s a privilege to partner with Chef Andre Rush, a truly iconic chef blending culinary excellence with experience in military service. Chef Rush’s dedication extends beyond meeting physical needs; he holds a profound passion for mental health and well-being, which is especially crucial for those in service,” said Brett Ladd, CEO, Government, Sodexo U.S. “The partnership between Sodexo and Chef Rush exemplifies a shared goal of making a meaningful impact.”
Sodexo serves 160 military and U.S. federal government locations in 28 states. With a commitment to improving quality of life and making a positive impact, Sodexo creates solutions for everything from dining and nutrition to facilities management and rehabilitative services for U.S. government and military organizations.
Sodexo North America is part of a global Fortune 500 company with a presence in 45 countries. Sodexo specializes in sustainable foodservice and valued experiences, in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Additionally, the company indirectly supports additional jobs through its annual purchases of goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.
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Claussen Pickle Cupcakes Launch for Limited Time Only
Claussen, the 150-year-old brand known for its signature refrigerated pickles that pack a superior cold crunch, is teaming up with New York-based bite-size dessert company, Baked by Melissa, to create a first-of-its-kind pickle cupcake. To celebrate National Pickle Month, the dill-ightful dessert will be available for pickle enthusiasts nationwide, while supplies last.
Over the past year, pickle products continue to trend with 73 percent of Americans reporting that they enjoy the taste of pickles. To give the fans what they wanted, Claussen entered the beverage space for the first time last year, launching a sparkling wine cocktail, and this summer, it’s all about desserts.
“We’re excited to keep our pickle momentum going this summer with our first-ever dessert,” said Caroline Sheehey, Brand Manager for Claussen Pickles. “Pickle is such a universal flavor, so we are constantly working to find new and unique ways to bring Claussen’s signature taste to many different beloved occasions. These cupcakes will be the perfect unexpected twist for pickle fanatics everywhere.”
Combining Baked by Melissa’s famous handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and Claussen Pickles’ tangy flavor, the Baked by Melissa x Claussen Pickle Cupcakes feature a delicious pickle-infused cake topped with pickle buttercream icing and red and white celebratory sprinkles. These bite-sized delights combine beloved Claussen pickles with Baked by Melissa’s classic vanilla cake and icing. The result is a bright, balanced sweet-salty-sour pickle treat, perfect for your summer parties.
“Anyone who’s seen @BakedByMelissa on TikTok knows I am a pickle lover, whether I’m making pickles at home or adding pickles to my favorite dishes, so it only made sense to bring the Claussen’s iconic flavor to Baked by Melissa cupcakes next, for an unexpected tangy treat,” said Melissa Ben-Ishay, Co-Founder & CEO of Baked by Melissa. “The addition of pickle gives the cupcake a zippy sweet-salty-sour kick, making it a truly unique ingredient for a bite-size cupcake.”
The Baked by Melissa x Claussen Pickle Cupcake is available in packs of 6 or 25 while supplies last. The 6-pack is available exclusively at all Baked by Melissa store locations for $10.25 while the 25-pack is exclusive to BakedbyMelissa.com for $37.00 for nationwide shipping. For more information, visit @claussenpicklesofficial on Instagram or BakedbyMelissa.com.
Founded by Melissa Ben-Ishay in 2008, Baked by MelissaBaked by Melissa is the New York-based dessert company specializing in handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and treats in a variety of flavors, all developed by Melissa herself. Today, Baked by Melissa has 13 retail locations in the New York area and an online store offering nationwide shipping. With its highly acclaimed assortment of flavors, gift boxes for every occasion and custom shipping packaging to ensure treats arrive safe and fresh, Baked by Melissa has become a go-to brand to celebrate all of life’s moments across the U.S. Find current flavors and more at bakedbymelissa.com.
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Chobani Shelf-Stable, Low-Fat Super Milk to Help Communities
Chobani, LLC, a next generation food and beverage company originally known for its high-quality Greek yogurt, launched its first shelf-stable low-fat dairy milk, Chobani Super Milk. This latest product innovation is nutrient rich and is made specifically to be donated to support people impacted by disasters as well as help some of the most vulnerable in Chobani’s hometowns.
“We know food is essential, but it becomes an even greater need during natural disasters. What we did at Chobani was make a solution that could be deployed when and where it’s needed. We call it Super Milk – high protein, high fiber, nutritious milk that is wholesome and shelf stable,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. “It’s been a true gift for our entire team to bring this to life. We are humbled and honored to help those in need during hard times.”
Developed to help the American Red Cross and Chobani’s local food bank and pantry partners, Chobani Super Milk addresses a critical need by providing access to nutrient-dense, high-protein, low-fat dairy to those who need it most. On average, the American Red Cross responds to approximately 65,000 disasters annually across the United States. At the same time, there are already 44 million Americans facing food insecurity. Chobani will produce an average of 145,000 pounds of Chobani Super Milk monthly to be deployed by the American Red Cross nationally in areas facing natural disasters and to local partners in central New York and southern Idaho communities.
Ulukaya continued, “We are spreading Super Milk across the country through amazing partnerships with the American Red Cross and local foodbanks and pantries in southern Idaho and central New York. We are so proud to work with these inspiring organizations who are focused on delivering food to more people. We could not make this impact without the power of these partnerships, and it is an honor to work together.”
“I’m inspired by forward-thinking Annual Disaster Giving Program members like Chobani that make it possible for us to support those in need at a moment’s notice,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Last week, Chobani sent a truckload of Super Milk to New Mexico in just a few days, helping power our relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires. We’re grateful for their generosity and partnership as families continue to rely on the Red Cross for vital comfort and care in the wake of more frequent and intense disasters.”
Like all Chobani products, Chobani Super Milk is made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients. With a 9-month shelf life and no need for refrigeration until opened, the 32 fl oz package provides 4 servings per container and offers 13g of protein – 50% more protein than traditional milk – 7g prebiotic fiber for digestive health, 9g of sugar – 25% less sugar than traditional milk and no sugar added – 400mg of calcium – 25% more calcium than traditional milk, and is fortified with Vitamins A & D.*
Super Milk was created after Chobani recognized the need for nutritious, high-quality dairy products during disaster relief efforts that do not require refrigeration. The shelf-stable nature of Super Milk also addresses the logistic and supply chain challenges often associated with providing dairy to food banks and pantries. A portion of Chobani Super Milk will be donated to food banks and pantries in Chobani’s hometowns providing a nutrient dense protein rich product to people facing food insecurity in its own backyard, where 12% of people in Idaho’s Twin Falls County and over 12% and 13% of people in New Yorks Otsego and Chenango County’s experience food insecurity. Chobani, a leading advocate for fighting hunger and increasing food access, has donated over 6.4 million pounds of food across the U.S. since 2022.
Since its founding, Chobani has believed that business can be a force for good and so does its partners. With support from Tetra Pak, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and IFF for ingredients and packaging, Chobani was able to bring Super Milk to life and share its commitment to not only provide good food for all but help those in times of need.
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