Aramark Destinations Strengthens Community Partnerships Across National Parks Through Volunteerism, Food Donations, and Community Engagement

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aramark Destinations is celebrating a year of impactful community partnerships across its national park and conservation properties, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local communities through food donations, volunteer service, and collaboration with rural partners.

Aramark team members from Mesa Verde National Park construct new garden beds at the Good Sam's Food Pantry in Cortez, CO.

Across its hospitality portfolio, Aramark Destinations remains focused on supporting the people and places that make each park and community unique. Whether through food donations, seasonal volunteering, or ongoing partnerships with chambers, nonprofits and local leaders, the company is committed to enhancing quality of life and strengthening community resilience in rural gateway towns.

“Aramark Destinations prioritizes supporting the communities that our team members call home,” said Sasha Day, President and CEO of Aramark Destinations. “We’re proud to invest our time and resources into the people and nonprofits who help these parks and neighborhoods thrive. These efforts reflect our long-term dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities.”

In 2025, Aramark Destinations donated thousands of pounds of food, contributed hundreds of volunteer hours, and invested in local programs to strengthen rural communities.

At Isle Royale National Park, Rock Harbor Lodge concluded its season with a cherished tradition. As park staff pack up at the end of each season, the lodge team fills two truck beds and a trailer with high-quality ingredients from its restaurant kitchens, donating everything to Copper Shores Meals on Wheels. The annual donation often features staples like fresh trout and the lodge’s well-loved corned beef (about 120 pounds of it), which Meals on Wheels turns into seasonal entrées that homebound seniors look forward to each year.

At the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Aramark Destinations team members strengthened their partnership with the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) during the 2025 ABC Day community drive. Staff collected over 10 bags of clothing, boxes of food, books and essential cleaning and hygiene supplies to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. In addition, the NCTC dining team donated nearly 4,000 pounds of prepared but unused food to Berkeley County Meals on Wheels, advancing the organization’s mission of serving accessible, nutritious meals to recovering community members.

In Cortez, Colorado, the Aramark Destinations team at Mesa Verde National Park dedicated approximately 80 volunteer hours to the Good Samaritan Food Bank. Notably, the team constructed and installed new garden beds, a $3,000 investment in materials and labor that will allow the food bank to nearly triple its produce capacity for local families. At the end of the season, teams also donated more than $2,000 in unused, unopened food to support community food programs.

In Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay Lodge continued expanding its community engagement through a series of Community Nights and gatherings that welcomed residents for shared meals, storytelling, and connection. The events have grown year over year, strengthening relationships between lodge staff and local partners while creating a welcoming space for neighbors to enjoy the park’s hospitality.

For more information about Aramark Destinations and its community partnerships, please visit www.aramarkdestinations.com.

About Aramark Destinations

Aramark Destinations delivers authentic and memorable experiences at iconic locations across the United States. From national and state parks to protected lands, conference centers, and specialty hotels, Aramark Destinations provides industry-leading hospitality, lodging, and recreational amenities that inspire, restore, and connect guests with the outdoors. Visit Aramark Destinations’ website to learn more or connect on LinkedIn.

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Media Contact:

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775.235.6616

Source: Aramark