The 2011 Sustainability Report

OUR VALUES

We know that when we do what is right to serve our customers, associates, investors and society, we create a business that is sustainable economically, environmentally and socially. And we help raise the bar for our suppliers
and other industry members to do the same.

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    CLEARING THE AIR

    Reducing fuel and electricity use in our operations conserves energy resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can also pay off in lower costs. Our strategies include monitoring truck fill rates, shifting more inbound freight to rail and using alternative-fuel vehicles. Our fleet now includes nearly 100 hybrid electric/diesel single-axle trucks and nearly 70 LNG-powered 18-wheelers. We are also testing alternative technologies for powering the refrigeration units that keep food fresh during transit.

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    RESPECTING THE LAND

    Although we do not grow any crops, the standards we set for the products we purchase can have a tremendous influence on the food chain. Helping farmers, ranchers and processors meet those standards is part of our commitment to sustainability. At Rich Hill Farms, a family farm in a Missouri Amish community, our experts worked hand-in-hand with the farm owner to help his products attain GAP-certified status for food safety while still being respectful of the farm's culture and traditional processes. The non-electric operation uses horses to pull the plow and power many mechanical processes. With this certification, Rich Hill Farms is now one of the Sysco suppliers providing local foods for the University of Kansas and other customers.

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    DEVELOPING OUR ASSOCIATES

    Talent development is essential for our sustained success. To support this goal, we have expanded the online offerings in Sysco Interactive University. These flexible classes are helping more of our associates in operations and sales master the skills to move into supervisory and management roles. Looking further to the future, we have doubled the size of our summer internship program, a valuable way to expose potential associates to our business and our industry.