ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - Feb 14, 2012) - US Foods today announced that nearly 85 percent of its Metro New York Division's annual energy will come from solar power by July 2012. Installation of rooftop solar panels at the warehouse in Perth-Amboy, N.J. is currently underway. The solar installation is the fourth at a US Foods distribution facility and another positive step in the company's ongoing sustainability program.

"The new solar project will considerably reduce annual energy costs at the Metro New York division," said Chuck Gannon, Metro New York division president, US Foods. "The solar panels will help us operate more efficiently, and significantly reduce our carbon emissions while maintaining the great service our customers expect."

Once the installation is complete, the solar panels will generate more than 10 million kilowatt hours of energy per year -- enough to power more than 870* average U.S. homes for a year. The solar panel array is owned by Swan Creek MPA, LLC, which has contracted to supply energy to US Foods.

In addition to the Metro New York division facility, US Foods recently installed solar panels to power distribution centers in La Mirada, Calif., Phoenix and San Francisco.

*Average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer provided by U.S. Energy Information Administration.

About US Foods
With nearly $19 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America, and a leading foodservice distributor. Many of the entities that make up US Foods were founded in the 19th century, including one that sold provisions to travelers heading west during the 1850s gold rush. US Foods offers more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality "exclusive brand" items, ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide, and provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. 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.usfoods.com.