U.S. Foodservice-Los Angeles Activates One of the Largest Solar Panel Systems in Southern California to Power Warehouse

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Jul 13, 2011) - Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, U.S. Foodservice-Los Angeles today activated a 1.15 megawatt, 4,998 photovoltaic solar panel system, one of the largest solar projects in Southern California. It is expected to provide 16 percent of U.S. Foodservice-Los Angeles' power needs annually.

The U.S. Foodservice-Los Angeles division, a Certified Green Business facility that is also celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year, commemorated the event by hosting a "Flip the Switch" celebration for local dignitaries, customers, employees and suppliers in La Mirada, Calif.

"U.S. Foodservice is continually looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact," said Gene Steffes, division president, U.S. Foodservice-Los Angeles. "Our goals are to safeguard the environment, minimize waste, conserve resources, recycle materials and provide customers with environmentally preferable products. Our new solar panel system is both good for business and the right thing to do."

With an expected output of more than 1.6 million kilowatt hours annually at its peak, the solar array will generate enough electricity to power up to 150 average U.S. homes for one year.

U.S. Foodservice is leasing the solar system from Del Solar, a global provider of renewable energy products. The installation project provided approximately 50 jobs in construction and installation related services in the community.

About U.S. Foodservice
U.S. Foodservice is one of America's leading foodservice distributors, offering more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality private label items, ranging from meats to produce to frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 60 locations nationwide. U.S. Foodservice provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent restaurants, government operations, healthcare and hospitality entities, educational institutions and prominent multi-unit restaurant companies. With approximately $19 billion in annualized revenue, the company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoodservice.com.