A company that serves millions of meals a day is changing how you eat—in ways that are better for the planet and your health

Charlotte, N.C (September 14, 2016) – On August 18, 2016, Fortune Magazine released their prestigious list of 50 Companies that Change the World. For the first time, Compass Group was named to the list as a foodservice company taking on some of society’s biggest problems.

As told by Fortune:
Compass Group is the foodservice company you’ve never heard of that’s quietly changing how you eat—in ways that are better for the planet and your health. The 8.5 million meals a day Compass serves in North America, in venues ranging from school cafeterias to the Oscars, are setting the tone for the rest of the food industry. In 2009 Compass launched a “flexitarian” campaign in the U.S. to encourage eaters to opt for plant-based protein one day a week. It’s since taken that one step further by committing to reducing its purchase of red meat 30% by 2020. Last year the company, which operates under brands like Restaurant Associates and Bon Appétit, served 14.8% more produce and 4.3% more whole grains. It has also been a pioneer in reducing antibiotic usage in its meat supply and ahead of the pack on animal welfare issues. Compass, for example, was one of the first major food companies to talk about potential issues with “fast growth” chickens—ones that are intentionally bred to get bigger faster on less feed, but as a result can have major health issues.

The Change the World list recognizes companies that have had a positive social impact through activities that are part of their core business strategy.

Methodology:
1- Measureable Social Impact: The reach, nature, and durability of the company’s impact on one or more specific societal problems.
2- Business Results: The economic benefit the socially impactful initiative brings to the company.
3- Degree of Innovation: How innovative the company’s effort is relative to that of others in its industry and whether its impactful actions have prompted other companies to follow its example.

“Being named to Fortune’s 50 Companies that Change the World is an enormous honor and recognition. We have spent decades learning about the toughest issues in the food industry, listening to our clients, and working with the most effective and innovative partners to find lasting solutions,” explains Gary Green, CEO Compass Group North America. “When we make a commitment, we deliver on it.”

In addition to providing healthy, plant-forward menu options and reducing antibiotic use, Compass has improved the lives of farm animals through its cage-free shell egg policies.

Compass’ Sustainability Platform also focuses on reducing food waste and saving water through Imperfectly Delicious Produce (IDP) and Food Recovery Network, sourcing sustainable seafood and FAD free tuna, supporting local farming economies, and championing farmworker based human rights in partnership with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.

Compass Group would like to extend a sincere thank you to its associates, clients, customers, and partners for helping change the world!

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About Compass Group
Based in Charlotte NC, Compass Group North America is the leading foodservice management and support services company with 240,000 associates and $14.5 billion in revenues in 2015. Compass Group USA was named one of America’s 500 Best Employers by Forbes, ranking as the highest contract food and support services company. With over 500,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC, was named the 6th largest publicly traded employer in the world by USA Today and had revenues of $28 billion in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015.

Media contact:
Veronica Ospina
704-328-4291
[email protected]