By Healthcare Facilities Today

St. Charles, Illinois –  The Nutrition and Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) announced today that Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. will be the first participant in its new corporate partner program as a Founding Corporate Partner. The new program is aimed at building significant financial support for researchers and educators helping advance innovation and excellence in foodservice and nutrition.

The Foundation has also announced plans to provide more opportunities for business leaders and entrepreneurs to highlight new service models and emerging best practices for the future. It will continue to provide scholarships for students and working professionals to support their attendance at ANFP educational events, as well as fund charitable causes that help improve individual and public health.

Reinhart, which will be formally recognized as a Founding Corporate Partner, is the nation's fourth largest independent foodservice distributor, with over 5,200 employees and more than 14,000 items for the nutrition and foodservice industry – ranging from food products to kitchen equipment. Reinhart’s Healthcare initiatives are focused on providing solutions and resources with customer satisfaction in mind. Innovative offerings like menuMATRIX®, its powerful, proprietary online menu management tool, and TRACS®Direct, its robust web-based food operator ordering, inventory, and reporting system, lead the industry. Reinhart’s service to the industry is punctuated with a team of healthcare specialists and Registered Dietitians.

NFEF, which is headquartered within the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), announced plans for its new corporate sponsors program last year as a part of a significant re-organization and rebranding effort. Reinhart’s designation as a Founding Corporate Partner formally launches the new program.

NFEF’s new mission puts a stronger emphasis on helping nutrition and foodservice professionals learn about emerging trends and issues that will impact their careers. The Foundation will support new educational materials and forums for working professionals and students, while providing grants and assistance to researchers, teachers and innovators.

“We are delighted to be the first of NFEF’s major sponsors, a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that the foodservice and nutrition industry is strong and growing”, said R. Scott McNeill, Corporate Director Healthcare for Reinhart Foodservice. “We believe the Foundation’s new direction is paving the way for more research, higher-quality research results, and more forward-looking education to help foodservice and nutrition professionals stay ahead of the curve.”

The Foundation recently hosted the first in its new agenda of educational programming, with a national webinar announcing results of a major research project that examined the dining preferences of residents in long term care facilities. More than 700 online participants took part in the webinar, which shared results showing that a younger and more “food-centric” population is changing the way long-term care facilities approach food services, nutrition and dining for their residents.

A research white paper and more information about the webinar are available at www.NFEFoundation.org. For more information, please call 800-323-1908.

“Our goal is to be an innovation center for our profession, shining a light on the trends that nutrition and foodservice professionals must be aware of and adapt to,” said NFEF Board of Trustees Chair Vicky Kearney, CDM, CFPP. “Reinhart’s support provides a significant boost in this effort.”

###

About NFEF
The Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation was originally founded in 1994, as the Dietary Managers Association (DMA) Foundation. It was re-configured as a part of the DMA’s re-branding and name change to the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) in 2012. The NFEF engages in innovative research, education, and charitable causes that promote the vital role of the Certified Dietary Manager as the expert in the profession of foodservice management and food safety. The NFEF supports the goals of ANFP and works to strengthen the overall nutrition and foodservice profession. As ANFP’s philanthropic arm, the Foundation is organized to advance the foodservice and nutrition profession to stay ahead of rapid change by fostering innovative thinking, cutting-edge research and new ideas. Our highest priority is research and education for the future.

About Reinhart
Founded in 1972, Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. is one of the fastest-growing broadline foodservice distributors in the United States. The company provides fresh produce, proteins, ingredients, supplies and equipment to customers across the U.S. from 31 state-of-the-art distribution centers. Reinhart serves every segment of the food industry, from independent and chain restaurants to schools and healthcare facilities. Reinhart is committed to the highest levels of customer service, providing its customers with menu planning assistance, nutrition services support, an extensive lending library, TRACS® Direct order entry and foodservice management software and training, weekly specials and educational seminars. Reinhart’s original mission of delivering exceptional high-quality products, personal service and value to its customers is stronger than ever today.