Aramark employees honored with Jefferson Award for Public service

June 25—Aramark announced that 59 of its employees where honored with Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which are presented by the American Institute for Public Service. Krista Wennerstrom, RD, foodservice director at Thorek Memorial Hospital in Chicago, was honored with a gold medal Jefferson Award.

The organization recognizes citizens who are devoted to community and public service. Aramark employees are recognized as part of the Jefferson Awards Corporate Champions program, which encourages civic engagement and volunteerism in the workplace.

Wennerstrom, began volunteering at a young age with the Girls Scouts and her local YMCA. In 2002, she started the Windy City Women’s Charity Club, a monthly women’s volunteer group that has supported more than fifty organizations during the past eight years. Wennerstrom has worked with Aramark Healthcare for 12 years and volunteers to lead the company’s health and wellness educational programs with Chicago’s Jane Adams Hull House Association (Hull House). She also heads Aramark’s Building Community’s culinary and nutrition awareness efforts with four Hull House locations in Chicago to educate families on how to live healthier lifestyles and provide realistic tips on nutrition, wellness and food preparation.

“Every day, Aramark people deliver outstanding service to customers and clients worldwide, and that culture of service extends to the communities in which we live and work,” said Joe Neubauer, Aramark chairman and CEO. “I am very proud of all of the Aramark volunteers who work tirelessly to strengthen our communities and enrich the lives of those in need.”

The other Aramark employees who received Jefferson Awards this year include three silver medal winners: Gail Chapin, foodservice director, Powder Springs, Ga.; Alex Hodges, information technology, Parkville, Mo.; and Denise Whittaker, administrative coordinator, Philadelphia.