SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Southern Eagle Dining Facility adopted the OZZI, a reusable food container, on Jan. 23, 2023, for more than 620 Airmen that live in the dormitories on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. A food transformation initiative was adapted into what is now called ‘Food 2.0’ which offers better food and dining as opposed to the legacy dining facilities across the Air Force.
The OZZI was the go-to choice for the Southern Eagle DFAC because it integrated seamlessly with the containers used prior to its arrival.
“The OZZI takes the place of the foam containers that were previously used for take-out containers,” said Alyce Yokoi, Sodexo senior marketing manager. “These containers are able to be reused up to 300 times and one unit costs $4.10. In less than six months, the reusable containers will be cheaper than the foam alternative.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 14 million tons of plastic containers and packaging, including polystyrene, polystyrene and polypropylene, was generated in 2018 with nearly 70% being landfilled.
“It is environmentally friendly and sustainable,” said Daniel Hornbuckle, Southern Eagle DFAC general manager. “We are reducing our carbon footprint while simultaneously saving money.”
Dorm residents are required to sign up for the project and they will receive two cards to later exchange for an OZZI.
Airmen can turn in one card to receive one OZZI container with their meal. When they return for their next meal, they bring back their original container to be cleaned and are then given another card to use for a new container. This system helps to ensure Airmen have two cards or containers at any given time. This system also ensures the containers are getting sanitized before their next use.
The Southern Eagle DFAC is the pilot location for all Food 2.0 bases and will be implemented across all Food 2.0 locations if calculated to be a success.